American pastor may face deportation due to alleged abuse of 160 children
Metro Manila, Philippines - An American pastor is set to be deported after allegedly abusing at least 160 children in Pampanga, the Bureau of Immigration said.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency is preparing a deportation case against 48-year-old American national Jeremy Ferguson.
The pastor was reportedly arrested on Aug. 13. According to the BI, he was said to have headed a religious organization in Mexico, Pampanga, which had minors in its custody.
“Police and DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) reports state that victims recounted being physically assaulted and sustaining injuries from Ferguson,” the BI said in a statement on Saturday, Aug. 16. “There were also accounts of him depriving children of food, chaining them, or locking them inside rooms.”
On Sunday, the DSWD said the BI had placed the American pastor on its watchlist, ensuring his attendance in all court hearings for alleged child abuse cases.
The DSWD also said the BI issued a commitment order dated Aug. 15 directing the pastor’s transfer from Pampanga to the BI Warden Facility in Bicutan, Taguig City.
The DSWD said the American has been charged with two counts of violation of Section 10 (a) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. Each count carries a recommended bail of P80,000.
The DSWD said it uncovered his alleged abuse of minors and his facility’s failure to comply with standards that ensure proper protection of children during a spot monitoring of the facility on Aug. 12.
“During the inspection, several children disclosed having experienced physical, verbal and psychological abuse allegedly committed by Ferguson and some house parents,” the agency said.
But Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante urged the BI not to rush the deportation of the accused until the investigation is concluded.
Abante, also a pastor, said he had received reports that the American national’s child care facility has been operating for eight years with proper permits.
“We must do what is necessary to protect our children, but we must do so consistent with the basic principles of human rights,” said Abante, the chairperson of the House committee and human rights. “Justice is not served when we pre-judge a man before the evidence has been fully weighed.”
Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima shared her fury and concern over the alleged abuse that happened in a child care facility.
“We are one with the DSWD in its commitment to strictly monitor all child care facilities and ensure that children under their custody are safe and genuinely taken care of,” De Lima said.
“We must strengthen our laws and policies to better protect our younger generation from child predators, perpetrators of crime, and bullies, while also providing them access to quality education, healthcare, decent housing and adequate standard of living,” she added.
