American nabbed in Cebu over seven VAWC charges

Police arrested a 39-year-old American wanted on seven counts of alleged violations of the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, with recommended bail totaling ₱366,000.

Officers served the foreign national with a court-issued arrest warrant in Barangay Poblacion, Argao, on November 5, according to the Philippine National Police.

The operation was carried out by the Argao Municipal Police Station under the Cebu Police Provincial Office. The American, whose name was not disclosed, remained in police custody pending legal proceedings.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that foreign nationality offers no exemption from arrest warrants. Police must enforce court orders while protecting the rights of the accused, he said.

Details of the alleged abuse were not disclosed in the published reports. Authorities also did not identify the issuing court, and there was no confirmation that the suspect had posted bail.

He faces charges under Republic Act 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.