By Lane Afable, News Editor
A 59-year-old American fugitive wanted for child molestation charges in the United States was arrested by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Pangasinan as part of the government’s intensified #ShieldKids campaign against foreign sex offenders.
The arrest comes in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and intensify efforts against transnational criminals seeking refuge in the country.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the suspect, identified as Matthew Cole Calhoun, a United States citizen, was apprehended by members of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) during an enforcement operation conducted on the evening of May 16 in Barangay Navaluan, Mangaldan, Pangasinan.
The operation was carried out by the FSU in coordination with U.S. authorities, the NBI Ilocos Regional Office, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy reported that Calhoun is facing multiple charges in Florida, including two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation categorized as life felonies, as well as two additional second-degree felony charges for the same offense.
Authorities from the United States likewise informed the BI that proceedings are underway for the cancellation of Calhoun’s passport to pave the way for his deportation.
Viado praised the FSU operatives for the successful arrest, saying the Bureau’s campaign against foreign fugitives remains aggressive and unyielding.
“Our message is clear: predators and fugitives who attempt to hide in the Philippines will be found and removed. The Bureau of Immigration, through our #ShieldKids campaign, will continue working relentlessly with local and international partners to protect vulnerable sectors, especially children, from exploitation and abuse,” he said.
The BI said the fugitive will remain in the Bureau’s detention facility pending deportation proceedings.
