The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has placed Pastor Jeremy Keith Ferguson, an American national and founder of a Pampanga-based child care facility, on its immigration watch list to ensure he faces child abuse charges filed against him in the Philippines.

The BI also issued a commitment order on August 15 transferring Ferguson to the BI Warden Facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, after the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Mexico, Pampanga referred his case for custody arrangements.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Standards Bureau Director Megan Manahan confirmed Ferguson’s inclusion in the BI watch list, saying this guarantees his presence in court hearings.

“So, ibig sabihin na ito, talagang sure tayo nandito siya sa Pilipinas para harapin yung mga kailangan niyang harapin dun sa mga abuso na ginawa niya po,” Manahan said in a DZMM interview on August 16.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian earlier issued a cease and desist order on August 13 against Ferguson, who founded and directed the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga, Inc. (NLBCMPI). The order came after DSWD uncovered alleged abuse of minors under his care and his facility’s failure to comply with child protection standards.

The order was served by DSWD Field Office 3, led by Regional Director Venus Rebuldela, with assistance from the Pampanga Police Office’s Women and Children’s Protection Desk. Ferguson was arrested the same day.

Ferguson now faces two counts of violating Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. Each charge carries a recommended bail of ₱80,000.

Manahan noted, however, that Ferguson cannot be released despite the bailable charges due to the separate immigration case.

“Bailable po siya pero dahil may immigration charge din po siya, hindi siya makakalaya. Parang doon naman siya ico-commit sa Bureau of Immigration po,” she explained.

The abuse allegations emerged after a DSWD monitoring team inspected the facility on August 12, during which several children reported physical, verbal, and psychological abuse allegedly committed by Ferguson and some house parents.

Manahan highlighted the swift coordination among DSWD, PNP, and BI, which led to Ferguson’s arrest and the immediate protection of the children.

“Ang ganda po ng interagency coordination natin with the PNP, with the Bureau of Immigration, and DSWD. That same day nung na-rescue (mga children), na-arrest na rin po (si Ferguson). So, with PNP na po, pero si Bureau of Immigration, nag-start na rin po ng proceedings nila,” she said.

The rescued children remain under the protective custody of DSWD Field Office 3 and are receiving psychosocial support and other interventions.