BI, Navy, nab American felon in Guimaras

JORDAN, Guimaras – In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and shield Filipinos from foreign fugitives, operatives of the Bureau of Immigration’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), under Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, in coordination with the Naval Forces Central of the Philippine Navy, arrested a 64-year-old American national during an operation at Pantalan, Barangay Rizal, Jordan, Guimaras on the morning of September 30.

The operation led to the apprehension of Boyd Monte Murray, an undocumented and undesirable alien who has been identified as a fugitive from justice. According to official communication from the US Embassy in Manila, Murray is wanted in the United States on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by the King County Superior Court in Seattle, Washington on December 2, 1994, for theft. He is also facing multiple charges in several US jurisdictions, including possession of stolen vehicles, larceny, and other felony offenses.

During questioning, Murray presented multiple identification cards under different names but failed to produce a valid passport or immigration documents. Reports also indicate that his US passport has already been revoked by the US Department of State.

Community reports and social media monitoring flagged Murray’s alleged history of criminal activity, including prior convictions for fraud, theft, and burglary. More disturbingly, he was reported to have engaged in repulsive online behavior, including posting lewd remarks on social media accounts of underage girls.

Murray will be transported to Manila on the next available flight and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration Warden Facility (BIWF) following booking and documentation procedures.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado praised the swift action of the operatives, saying: “This arrest is a testament to our firm resolve to carry out President Marcos’ directive to protect the Filipino public from foreign fugitives. Murray’s record of crimes and his vile online behavior against minors are intolerable. Through our #ShieldKids campaign, the Bureau sends a clear message: we will never allow predators and criminals to exploit our children or use the Philippines as a safe haven.