BI arrests British sex offender in Romblon

STA. FE, Romblon — Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested a British national tagged as a registered sex offender in his home country during an enforcement operation in Sta. Fe, Romblon.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Andrew Charles Beaumont, 47, who was arrested on February 16 at Sitio Cabalian pursuant to a mission order issued earlier this month.

BI FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy reported that the operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine National Police–Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IG), PNP Intelligence Group Regional Intelligence Unit 4-B, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Romblon Provincial Field Unit, Regional Intelligence Division Police Regional Office Romblon Tracker Team, and government intelligence forces.

Records show that Beaumont is a registered sex offender in the United Kingdom and is subject to a life-long Sexual Offence Notification Order issued in 2012.

Beaumont was also convicted in Australia in 2009 on multiple charges involving the sexual abuse of a minor. Court records showed that the former teacher was sentenced to four years and six months of imprisonment, with a three-year non-parole period, after engaging in repeated sexual activity with a 15-year-old victim over a six-week period.

At the time of his arrest, Beaumont was allegedly providing diving lessons and demonstrating scuba equipment for a fee. He is reportedly known in the area for managing a local diving business.

Initial verification with the BI database revealed that Beaumont last arrived in the Philippines on September 19, 2022 and was admitted as a temporary visitor.

Records show that his last authorized extension expired in November 2023, rendering him an overstaying alien.

Viado expressed strong condemnation against foreign nationals who are involved in the exploitation of children.

“It is absolutely unacceptable for foreign sex offenders to come to our country,” said Viado. “We express our outrage against anyone—especially foreigners—who seek to victimize minors and violate their innocence. The Bureau of Immigration will relentlessly pursue and deport individuals who pose a threat to our children.”

Viado emphasized that the arrest forms part of the Bureau’s intensified campaign to protect minors under its #ShieldKids initiative, which strengthens border control, intelligence sharing, and enforcement actions against foreign sex offenders and traffickers.

“We stand firm in our commitment to safeguard children. Through our #ShieldKids campaign and close coordination with international and local law enforcement agencies, we will ensure that predators find no refuge in the Philippines,” he added.

Beaumont will remain in the BI Warden’s Facility (BIWF) while he faces the deportation charge filed against him.