THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) barred the entry of a Colorado man who was previously convicted of rape.
The American man was identified as Charles Harry Cooper, 66, who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 last October 8.
Cooper arrived on board a China Air flight from Taiwan when he was stopped by immigration authorities. He claimed to be merely visiting for tourism purposes and will be staying in Pasay City.
Information received by the BI show that Cooper was convicted in the United States (US) in 2009 for statutory rape in the 1st degree and statutory sodomy for a person under 14, as well as molestation in the first degree.
BI officers then prevented his entry and required him to board the next available flight back to his country of origin.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that sex offenders have no place in the country.
“These predators are not welcome in the Philippines,” said Tansingco. “Any sex offender who attempt to enter the country will be turned back and blacklisted,” he warns.
