The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested a Canadian national wanted in connection with child sex abuse cases in Thailand and Cambodia during a joint law enforcement operation in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.

PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Tuesday that the suspect, a retired teacher from British Columbia, was arrested on 30 June in Barangay Caingin. He was the subject of an Interpol Green Notice.

The operation was carried out by the PNP's Foreign Intelligence and Liaison Division in coordination with intelligence, immigration, investigative, and local government agencies.

Authorities said the Canadian was convicted in Thailand in 2007 for sexually abusing a male minor and later served a prison sentence in Cambodia for sexually assaulting two boys, aged 11 and 14.

The PNP also said the suspect had previously faced charges in the Philippines. He was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation in 2016 for violating the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (Republic Act No. 7610) and was charged again in 2022 over the alleged sexual molestation of a male minor in Biñan, Laguna.

"The Philippines will not serve as a sanctuary for fugitives who prey on the vulnerable," Nartatez said.

"Hindi tayo titigil sa paghahanap at pag-aresto sa mga taong nang-aabuso sa mga bata. Sisiguraduhin nating mananagot sila sa ilalim ng batas at mapoprotektahan ang ating mga komunidad," he added.

The PNP said the arrest highlights its continued cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in pursuing fugitives involved in transnational crimes and protecting children from abuse and exploitation.