FBI launches manhunt for Filipino child molestation fugitive

A Filipino fugitive accused of molesting children in California is believed to have fled to the Philippines and remains on the FBI's wanted list more than a decade after disappearing.

Federal authorities are searching for Edgardo Feralin Dormido Jr., 48, who was charged in Los Angeles Superior Court in 2015 with multiple felony counts of child molestation involving minors in Manhattan Beach, California.

According to the FBI, Dormido vanished on July 13, 2015, boarding a flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Taipei, Taiwan, before continuing to Manila, Philippines. After fleeing the country, he was also charged in federal court with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Investigators believe Dormido may still be hiding in the Philippines, although authorities say he has relatives living in the Los Angeles area.

The FBI has released a photograph of Dormido in hopes that someone will recognize him and provide information leading to his arrest. He is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, about 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Dormido's whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest FBI office or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately.