Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday welcomed the arrest of Thomas Scheuer, an American fugitive and alleged child sex offender, who had been hiding in the Philippines for more than two decades without documentation.
Scheuer, reportedly wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States for possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAEM), was found living in Talisay, Cebu, where he is believed to have continued his exploitative activities since 2000.
“25 years na siya sa Pilipinas at mukhang 25 years naring nang-abuso ng mga babae at bata. A concerned citizen contacted my office sharing credible information on Scheuer’s alleged activities and whereabouts. Bilang global hotspot ng online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) ang ating bansa, talagang minabuti namin na i-report siya agad sa awtoridad,” the senator said.
“I would also like to thank the Bureau of Immigration for their swift response. Their actions prevented further harm and helped bring an alleged long-time predator to justice,” she added.
Hontiveros also revealed that, based on allegations, as well as research done by her office, Scheuer may have also been involved in the abuse of his own daughter.
“Nakakagalit at nakakadiri na may ganitong tao sa bansa natin. It’s horrifying to imagine that someone capable of such acts has been freely walking among us for over two decades. If these allegations are proven true, he must be held fully accountable under the law,” the senator said.
Hontiveros also raised alarm over how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are making it easier to create and spread exploitative content.
“Al is now speeding up the production and distribution of abusive materials. Criminals like Scheuer could be taking advantage of these technologies to further expand their illicit activities. Umaasa ako na mahuli din ang mga katulad niya na baka nandito pa sa Pilipinas. We should never be a destination or refuge for sex offenders,” Hontiveros concluded.
