American wanted for child molestation captured in Philippines

A 59-year-old American fugitive wanted for child molestation charges in the United States was arrested by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Pangasinan as part of the government’s intensified #ShieldKids campaign against foreign sex offenders.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the fugitive as Matthew Cole Calhoun, a U.S. citizen who was apprehended by members of the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) during an operation conducted on the evening of May 16 in Barangay Navaluan, Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

According to the BI, the operation was carried out in coordination with U.S. authorities, the NBI Ilocos Regional Office, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy said Calhoun is facing multiple charges in Florida, including two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation classified as life felonies, as well as two additional second-degree felony charges for the same offense.

U.S. authorities have also informed the BI that proceedings are underway to cancel Calhoun’s passport in preparation for his deportation.

Viado commended the FSU operatives for the successful arrest of the foreign fugitive.

“Our message is clear: predators and fugitives who attempt to hide in the Philippines will be found and removed,” Viado said.

The immigration chief added that the BI’s #ShieldKids campaign will continue to protect children from abuse and exploitation by foreign criminals.