British Embassy cites RP for deporting pedophile

MANILA, Philippines — The British Embassy on Tuesday cited the Bureau of Immigration for deporting recently a British “pedophile" who had long been wanted in the United Kingdom for a indecent assault. In a press statement, the embassy said the deportation of Michael Cassidy gives a strong warning that the Philippines is no refuge for sex offenders. "With this deportation, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration has made it clear that the Philippines is not a refuge or safe haven for known sex offenders," British Ambassador Peter Beckingham said in the statement. "The case is a good example of successful collaboration between British and Filipino authorities to bring people to justice, and we are grateful to the Philippines for their cooperation," Beckingham added. Cassidy was arrested in September 2008 by Philippine authorities following a notice by the International Police “that he may have travelled to the Philippines without informing the relevant UK authorities." He was ordered later arrested by the Bureau of Immigration for being an undesirable and overstaying alien. His was the second successful deportation of a British sex offender in 2 months. According to the statement, Cassidy was convicted in 1996 for indecent assault and sentenced to three years imprisonment. “After serving his sentence he complied with registration requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 until sometime in 2004 when he left the UK. Two British police officers travelled to Manila and escorted Cassidy back to the UK where he will face charges. “Cassidy was given a thorough medical to confirm that he was fit to travel and his passport and medical certificate were handed over to Cathay Pacific staff on board the aircraft," the statement said. - GMANews.TV