American nabbed in Basilan for child abuse

BUTUAN CITY , Philippines  – Joint Social Welfare, the Philippine National Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation legal attaché and local barangay officials covert operations arrested last week an American national for allegations of child abuse, exploitation and an attempt to commit child prostitution.

Caraga police regional information office report claimed that at around 5 p.m. On March 17, an operation by personnel of Butuan City Police Station 1 headed by Police Inspector Roselle de los Reyes, FBI legal attaché John Sapinoso, Marilou de Claro of the City Social Welfare and Development and Councilman William Aguit of Barangay Libertad resulted to the arrest of American Albert Worth Hansen, 51, married and presently residing at Unit 3, Gabriel Village, Libertad, Butuan City.

According to the police report, the team proceeded to the said place to verify the information that the suspect was with a 15-year-old girl.

When they reached the area, the American was allegedly half-naked wearing shorts while the girl was only wearing an oversized T-Shirt.

Police said that under such circumstances the team apprehended Hansen, apprised him of his rights, and brought him and the girl to BCPS 1 for further investigation.

Cases of violation of RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act), Article 3 Section 6 (Attempt to Commit Child Prostitution) were filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office, the report said.   – Ben Serrano