The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is preparing a deportation case against an American pastor accused of physically abusing at least 160 children in Mexico town, Pampanga.
Joel Anthony Viado, BI Commissioner, said the case is being pursued in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which earlier sought the agency’s assistance.
The agency said the move is part of its ShieldKids campaign aimed to protect children from abuse and exploitation by foreign nationals.
The suspect, identified as 48-year-old Jeremy K. Ferguson, was arrested on August 13, 2025 by the DSWD Field Office III and the Pampanga Police Provincial Office’s Women and Children Protection Desk.
Authorities said Ferguson headed a religious organization in Mexico town that had minors under its custody.
“This kind of depravity has no place in our country. We will make sure this individual is expelled from the Philippines after facing his cases here so he may never prey on our children again. Foreign nationals who think they can come here and harm our people will face the full force of the law and the wrath of our justice system,” Viado said.