American fugitive faces deportation

MANILA, Philippines–The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has started deportation proceedings against an American accused of raping a minor in Alaska.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said Russel Ree Henriks, 50, was arrested last May 4 in Barangay Fairview, Baguio City by operatives from the bureau’s fugitive search unit (FSU).

David said Henriks, who is currently detained at the Immigration Detention facility in Bicutan, was arrested on the strength of a warrant issued by the BI Board of Commissioners.

David said Henriks’ deportation was sought by the US embassy in Manila which informed the BI about his record as a sex offender.

He said the American is wanted to stand trial before a superior court in Anchorage, Alaska where he was charged with attempting to sexually abuse a minor.

Atty. Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief, said Henriks had been hiding in the country since arriving in Manila on August 1 last year.

She said the Alaska court issued a bench warrant for Henrik’s arrest last Oct. 31 after he jumped bail and violated the conditions of his parole.

The US government already cancelled Henrik’s passport last December.

Once deported, Henriks will be in the immigration blacklist and will be banned from re-entering the Philippines, Mangrobang said.