American man held for rape

MANILA, Philippines - An American citizen, wanted for allegedly raping a child in Virginia, was arrested as he was about to renew his passport at the United States embassy in Manila on Wednesday.

Teodoro Lumaban Jr., 53, was arrested by members of the Bureau of Immigration’s fugitive search unit (FSU) near the embassy, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement yesterday. 

The BI agents served a warrant of deportation on Lumaban.

Morente said Lumaban’s passport had been cancelled by the US government and that he was ordered expelled for posing risk to public safety and security due to his being a fugitive from justice.

BI-FSU head Bobby Raquepo said Lumaban had been hiding in the country for more than three years. 

Lumaban’s name has been included in the BI’s blacklist and US federal agents are expected to bring him back to face trial.