Hontiveros pushes for tougher action vs. child sex exploitation

The arrest of American fugitive Thomas Scheuer in Cebu prompted Senator Risa Hontiveros to once again press for tougher action against child sexual exploitation and the emerging dangers of deepfake pornography.

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Scheuer, who has long been wanted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for possession of child sexual abuse materials, had reportedly lived in the Philippines without legal papers since the year 2000.

He was finally located in Talisay City, where he allegedly continued his abusive activities for more than 20 years.

During a press conference in Cebu City on Saturday, Hontiveros said her office was alerted through an email from a concerned citizen about Scheuer’s presence, which was then endorsed to authorities.

The senator lauded the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for its immediate action, stressing that the arrest spared potential victims from further harm.