American held over 7 VAWC raps

An American national facing seven counts of alleged violence against women and their children was arrested in Argao, Cebu, after police served a warrant against him, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.

The 39-year-old American was arrested on 5 November in Barangay Poblacion by personnel of the Argao Municipal Police Station under the Cebu Police Provincial Office, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

He faces seven counts of alleged violations of Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, with bail recommended at P366,000. He remains in police custody pending the appropriate legal proceedings.

Nartatez stressed that the arrest demonstrated the PNP’s commitment to enforcing court orders regardless of the nationality of those involved.

He said the police organization takes seriously its responsibility to implement outstanding warrants and ensure that cases proceed through the proper legal channels.

The operation also forms part of the PNP’s broader effort to strengthen police accountability and operational effectiveness, consistent with its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes purposeful, coordinated and results-oriented law enforcement.

Nartatez said the PNP would continue working closely with the courts and other concerned agencies to ensure that law enforcement actions are carried out professionally, fairly and with respect for due process.

The initiative is also in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, he added.

The PNP reiterated its commitment to public service under its Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman campaign, stressing that court processes must be implemented without distinction as to nationality.