BI arrests US fugitive wanted in child sex abuse case

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested a 50-year-old American national wanted in the United States for alleged sexual abuse of a minor during an enforcement operation conducted on 10 September at Camp Tomas Pepito in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Nabbed was Robert Carlos Ramirez, who is subject to an outstanding warrant issued by the Northeast District County of Los Angeles, California, for the felony charge of continuous sexual abuse of a minor.

BI-FSU operatives acted on information from the Diplomatic Security Service–Overseas Criminal Investigations of the U.S. Department of State, through the U.S. Embassy in Manila, which sought the Bureau’s assistance in locating and apprehending Ramirez.

The U.S. Embassy also informed the BI that Ramirez’s U.S. passport had been revoked.

BI records showed that Ramirez last arrived in the Philippines on 20 July 2023, and was admitted as a temporary visitor under Executive Order No. 408. He has since overstayed his authorized period of stay, has an existing derogatory record with the Bureau, and is subject to deportation proceedings.

Ramirez is currently detained at the Angeles City Jail, Camp Tomas Pepito, Barangay Sto. Domingo, Angeles City, Pampanga, pending resolution of a case involving alleged violations of Sections 4(a), in relation to Section 6(a), and 11(a)(1) of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended by Republic Acts Nos. 10364 and 11862.

The arrest forms part of the BI’s “Shield Kids” campaign, which seeks to prevent the Philippines from becoming a safe haven for fugitives accused of crimes against children.

The BI said continued cooperation with foreign law-enforcement and diplomatic authorities is essential to strengthening border security and preventing wanted individuals from evading justice in the Philippines.