American fugitive wanted for rape arrested by BI in Quezon

LUCENA CITY, Quezon—Operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested an American fugitive wanted for multiple sexual crimes, including rape and offenses against a minor, during an enforcement operation in Lucena City, Quezon Province on Wednesday morning.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the operation is in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to deny sanctuary to foreign fugitives and to strengthen child protection and public safety efforts nationwide.

According to BI FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, the arrest was carried out on January 28, at Barangay Mayao, Lucena City, in coordination with the Lucena City Police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Quezon Police Provincial Office, and government intelligence forces.

Arrested was American man known only as “Jan”, 56, who is considered an undesirable and overstaying alien, and a fugitive from justice based on official communication from the United States government.

“Jan” is the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Superior Court of Washington for King County in 2024, charging him with Rape in the Second Degree, and Rape of a Child in the Third Degree under the Revised Code of Washington, among others.

His passport has likewise been revoked by the U.S. Department of State, making him an undocumented alien.

Initial verification showed that “Jan” last entered the Philippines in 2023, with no subsequent visa extension, rendering him an overstaying alien. Records further revealed that he has active Blacklist and Watchlist Orders for being an undocumented and undesirable alien.

Viado stressed that the arrest reinforces the Bureau’s commitment to its #ShieldKids campaign, which aims to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and sexual crimes committed by foreign nationals.

“The President has made it clear: the Philippines will not be a hiding place for predators and fugitives,” Viado said. “Through our #ShieldKids campaign, we are intensifying our actions against foreign nationals who pose a threat to our children and communities. Those who abuse our hospitality will be found, arrested, and deported.”

The BI said the suspect will remain in the BI Warden’s Facility pending deportation proceedings.