U.S. Registered Sex Offender Barred from Entering Philippines

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has barred a 48-year-old American national identified as a registered sex offender from entering the Philippines as part of the government’s intensified campaign against foreign sexual predators.

The passenger, identified as Cabbot Allen Sanders, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on May 28 aboard a Korean Air flight from Seoul, South Korea.

According to the BI, immigration officers intercepted Sanders upon arrival after verifying information through international law enforcement databases, which revealed a derogatory record involving sexual offenses against a minor.

Records showed that Sanders was convicted in 1998 for communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. Following the discovery of his criminal background, immigration authorities denied him entry and placed him on the next available flight out of the country.

The exclusion was carried out under provisions of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which allows authorities to refuse entry to undesirable foreign nationals.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the action aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and protect vulnerable sectors from transnational crimes.

“The Philippines will never become a safe haven for foreign sexual predators,” Viado said in a statement. “Under our #ShieldKids campaign, we remain relentless in protecting Filipino children from individuals who pose a threat to their safety and welfare. Foreign nationals with records involving crimes against minors have no place in our communities.”

The BI said the case is part of its ongoing #ShieldKids initiative, a program aimed at preventing the entry of foreign sex offenders and individuals who may pose a threat to children.

Viado also emphasized the Bureau’s continued coordination with local and international law enforcement agencies to enhance border monitoring and strengthen efforts to stop the entry of foreign fugitives, sex offenders, and other high-risk individuals into the country.

The Bureau reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Filipino communities and ensuring that the Philippines does not become a destination for individuals with histories of crimes against children.