U.S. fugitive wanted over alleged child sex abuse busted in Angeles City

An American national wanted in California over an alleged child sexual abuse case has been arrested in the Philippines after U.S. authorities asked immigration officials to help track him down.

The Bureau of Immigration said its Fugitive Search Unit arrested 50-year-old Robert Carlos Ramirez on September 10, 2026, during an enforcement operation at Camp Tomas Pepito in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Ramirez is reportedly the subject of an outstanding warrant issued in Los Angeles County, California, for the felony charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

The arrest came after the U.S. Embassy in Manila, working through the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service–Overseas Criminal Investigations, provided information and sought assistance from Philippine immigration authorities.

Adding to Ramirez’s immigration troubles, the U.S. Embassy informed the BI that his American passport had been revoked.

BI records showed Ramirez last entered the Philippines on July 20, 2023, as a temporary visitor. Authorities said he later overstayed his authorized stay, accumulated a derogatory immigration record and became subject to deportation proceedings.

But his U.S. warrant is not the only case keeping him behind bars.

Ramirez is currently detained at the Angeles City Jail while authorities resolve a separate Philippine case involving alleged violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, as amended.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency will continue coordinating with foreign law-enforcement authorities to track down fugitives accused of serious crimes, particularly offenses involving children.

“The Philippines is never a safe haven for fugitives, especially those accused of crimes against children,” Viado said.

The arrest forms part of the BI’s “Shield Kids” campaign, aimed at preventing foreign fugitives accused of crimes against children from using the Philippines as a place to hide from justice.

Ramirez remains in custody as Philippine proceedings continue. The allegations against him remain subject to court proceedings, and guilt must be established through the judicial process.