U.S. fugitive wanted for child abuse arrested

A 50-year-old American wanted in the United States for alleged sexual abuse of a minor was arrested during a law enforcement operation at Camp Tomas Pepito in Angeles City, Pampanga, on 10 September 2026.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) conducted the operation following a request for assistance from the US Embassy in Manila.

Arrested 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 provided by the Diplomatic Security Service-Overseas Criminal Investigations of the US Department of State through the US Embassy, which sought the BI’s assistance in locating and apprehending Ramirez.

The US Embassy also informed the BI that Ramirez’s US passport had been revoked.

BI records showed that Ramirez last arrived in the Philippines on 10 July 2023, and was admitted as a temporary visitor under Executive Order No. 408. He subsequently overstayed his authorized period of stay and incurred a derogatory record with the BI.

He is also subject to deportation proceedings.

Ramirez is currently detained at the Angeles City Jail in Camp Tomas Pepito, Barangay Sto. Domingo, 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 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended by Republic Acts 10364 and 11862.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said the Bureau would continue working with foreign law enforcement and diplomatic partners to prevent fugitives from using the Philippines to evade justice.

“The Bureau of Immigration will continue to perform its mandate to ensure that the Philippines is never a safe haven for fugitives, especially those accused of crimes against children,” Viado said.

He added that the BI would continue coordinating with international law enforcement partners to locate and apprehend individuals who pose a threat to communities.