BI nabs American man wanted for drug trafficking

MANILA, Philippines—In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen law enforcement cooperation and ensure that the Philippines does not become a refuge for foreign fugitives, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced the recent arrest of an overstaying American wanted by U.S. federal authorities for drug trafficking.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Henry Watkins, also known as “Tutu,” a 51-year-old American national.

Watkins was arrested on March 18 at his residence in Barangay Ubaliw, Polangui, Albay, by operatives of the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU).

Viado said the operation was conducted in coordination with the U.S. government, which sought the BI’s assistance in locating and deporting Watkins.

Authorities confirmed that Watkins is on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) wanted list due to his alleged ties to the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel in Central America.

A U.S. District Court in Northern Iowa issued a warrant for his arrest on February 26, charging him with large-scale drug trafficking and the distribution of methamphetamine and heroin.

Watkins is also known for using violence to collect drug proceeds and allegedly serves as an enforcer for the ‘Devil’s Disciples’ motorcycle gang in Chicago, Illinois.

“He will be deported for overstaying and for being an undesirable alien. We cannot allow the Philippines to be used as a sanctuary for foreigners involved in illegal drugs,” Viado stated.

Meanwhile, the BI-FSU also reported the arrest of an overstaying Egyptian national in Naga City on March 19. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Bakhit Akram Mnayer Gouda, was apprehended in Barangay Igualdad, Naga City following criminal complaints for direct assault and oral defamation against a police officer.

A separate complaint was filed against Gouda by a local resident for violations of the Safe Spaces Act due to alleged immoral acts.

Both foreign nationals are currently in BI custody, pending deportation proceedings. #