Cops nab Aussie, accuse him of keeping sex slaves

CEBU CITY—Authorities have arrested an Australian allegedly keeping minors as sex slaves in Naga City, Cebu, and an American wanted in the United States for child abuse and pornography.

Australian national Angelo Farina, 78, was arrested by Naga City police and members of the city’s Children’s Legal Bureau. Rescued from his home were four girls, ages ranging from 14-15 years old, that he was allegedly keeping as sex slaves.

Chief Insp. Timmar Alam, Naga City police chief, said police sought a search warrant after confirming that Farina has been keeping four girls in his house in Naga.

Alam said the four girls are now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and would undergo medical tests.

Alam, quoting witnesses, said Farina had convinced the girls’ parents to let their children stay with him with a promise that Farina would send the girls to school.

Seized during the raid on Farina’s house were syringes, vials and a still unidentified type of drug. Farina has been in the Philippines for 16 years.

Authorities also arrested American Robert Dean Lunsford, 52, outside a mall in Talisay City.

Lunsford was wanted in the United States after he was convicted of abusing a girl. He was also facing investigation for child pornography. He was meted out a prison term of up to four years.

Casimiro Madarang, acting immigration regional director, said Lunsford’s passport had been canceled by US authorities. Shaun Gavin, a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, was with Philippine authorities when the arrest was made.