BI: American sex offender denied entry into PH

MANILA, Philippines — An American was barred by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) from entering the country after being discovered to be a registered sex offender (RSO), the agency said Thursday.

According to the BI’s statement, RSOs refer to individuals convicted of sex offenses under the prevailing laws of their respective countries.

The BI said immigration officers intercepted the American — identified as 34-year-old Gabriel Rodriguez — when he attempted to enter the country on September 2, upon his arrival from Haneda, Japan.

Records then revealed that Rodriguez was convicted in the US for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor in 2019.

Due to this, the BI barred Rodriguez from entering the country in compliance with Section 29(a) 3 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which states that individuals convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude are barred from entering the Philippines.

Furthermore, the BI said Rodriguez’s name was also added in the BI’s blacklist, making him barred from ever entering the country.

“Registered sex offenders pose a threat to our people,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

“Those who preyed on children have no place in the Philippines,” he added. — Ivana Romero, trainee

RELATED STORIES:

American sex offender barred at Naia

11 Chinese tourists barred from entering PH for faking travel purpose

BI intercepts alleged Australian hacker at NAIA

jms/abc