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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider BI denies entry to PH of American 'convicted for sex crime in US'

BI denies entry to PH of American 'convicted for sex crime in US'

Published Jun 17, 2025 04:35 pm
An American, who was convicted in the United States in 2012 of second-degree sex abuse of a 17-year-old girl, was denied entry to the Philippines and was immediately sent back to his port of origin.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the American as Matthew Stephen Gross, 36, who was intercepted at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport last June 16 upon arrival from Taiwan.
Protecting children from sexual predators is a moral obligation, not just a legal one, and those with history of sex crimes have no place in the Philippines,” Viado said.
He also said that under immigration rules, individuals convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, including sexual offenses, may be denied entry for being a threat to public interest and safety.
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