BI Arrests Fake Filipino in Palawan; American Predator in Pangasinan

BI Arrests Fake Filipino in Palawan; American Predator in Pangasinan

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | May 29, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has intensified its campaign against illegal foreign nationals, with recent operations leading to significant arrests in Palawan and Pangasinan. These actions highlight a robust, intelligence-driven effort to maintain national security and uphold immigration laws.

In a compelling case of misrepresentation, BI operatives apprehended 39-year-old Chinese national Xu Haishen in Roxas, Palawan. Xu was arrested on May 12 after an investigative operation revealed his alleged pretense as a Filipino citizen, posing a threat to public interest and national security. Authorities confirmed Xu admitted to using an assumed identity. The operation involved crucial assistance from multiple government intelligence and security agencies, underscoring a coordinated inter-agency effort.

Concurrently, a separate operation in Cauayan City, Isabela, on May 11, resulted in the arrest of Nigerian national Joshua Esosa Osarhiemen, 38. Osarhiemen was found to have violated the conditions of his stay and overstayed his visa.

Both individuals have undergone booking and documentation and are currently held at the BI Warden Facility while deportation proceedings are underway.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the bureau’s unyielding commitment. “We are relentless in our efforts to locate, apprehend, and deport foreign nationals who violate our immigration laws or attempt to deceive authorities. The Philippines will not serve as a sanctuary for illegal aliens, fraudsters, or individuals who threaten public order and national security.” Viado issued a stern warning, urging all foreign residents to strictly comply with immigration regulations or face arrest and deportation.

American Predator Arrested in Pangasinan Amidst #ShieldKids Campaign

In a related and equally impactful operation, the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested a 59-year-old American fugitive in Pangasinan. This apprehension is a critical victory for the government’s intensified #ShieldKids campaign, designed to combat foreign sex offenders.

The suspect, Matthew Cole Calhoun, a United States citizen, was apprehended on the evening of May 16 in Barangay Navaluan, Mangaldan, Pangasinan. The operation was a collaborative effort involving the FSU, U.S. authorities, the NBI Ilocos Regional Office, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

FSU Chief Rendel Ryan Sy reported that Calhoun faces multiple serious charges in Florida, including two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation, classified as life felonies, alongside two additional second-degree felony charges for the same offense. U.S. authorities have also informed the BI that proceedings are in motion to cancel Calhoun’s passport, paving the way for his deportation.

Commissioner Viado lauded the FSU operatives, reiterating the Bureau’s aggressive stance against foreign fugitives. “Our message is clear: predators and fugitives attempting to hide in the Philippines will be found and removed. The Bureau of Immigration, through our #ShieldKids campaign, will continue to work relentlessly with local and international partners to protect vulnerable sectors, especially children, from exploitation and abuse.”

Calhoun is currently detained at the Bureau’s facility, pending deportation proceedings.

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