American Pastor Placed on Watchlist for Abuse Case
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Bureau of Immigration has added an American pastor to its watchlist following allegations of child abuse at a church-run facility. Authorities directed Pampanga police to transfer him to a detention center in Metro Manila to face trial for accusations concerning his 156 wards.
Megan Manahan, director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Standards Bureau, confirmed the watchlist inclusion on the agency’s official website. The exact four word keyphrase “child abuse among wards” was central to the case, preventing Pastor Jeremy Keith Ferguson, founder and director of the New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga, Inc., from leaving the country.
Legal Proceedings and Police Actions
The Bureau of Immigration issued the watchlist upon request from Pampanga police. This followed a prosecutor’s August 14 inquest resolution that deemed Ferguson’s warrantless arrest lawful. The prosecutor recommended filing charges for two counts of violating Republic Act No. 7610, which protects children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.
Despite the charges, some social media users defended the American pastor. One church member shared that Ferguson denied ever harshly punishing the children under his care. The pastor reportedly stated, “As a policy, I did not authorize the 12 house parents or the licensed social workers to use punishments as forms of discipline.”
Pastor Declines Preliminary Investigation
Ferguson chose not to participate in a preliminary investigation, although he was assisted by lawyers from the Public Attorney’s Office. Meanwhile, the DSWD’s swift actions ensured the safety of the children involved.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian acted quickly after a regular agency monitoring on August 12 revealed reports from the children about harsh punishments. The inspection also uncovered multiple violations of the department’s standards designed to protect minors in private facilities.
Cease and Desist Order and Child Relocation
Following the findings, Gatchalian issued a 30-day cease and desist order against the church-run shelter, which was served to Ferguson on August 13. The same day, local police detained the pastor, and the 78 boys and 78 girls were transferred to a DSWD center in Lubao town for their protection.
Detention and Court Proceedings
Colonel Eugene Marcelo, Pampanga Provincial Police director, reported that Ferguson will be moved to a Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig City, after the Regional Trial Court in San Fernando raffled the cases. The court granted bail at P80,000 per count; however, Manahan noted that Ferguson remains in custody due to immigration issues.
Allegations and Facility Violations
The complaints against Ferguson include physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. In addition to these serious allegations, the DSWD flagged the church-run facility for being a fire hazard. Officials also cited mismanagement of funds, improper case management, and failure to comply with registration, licensing, and accreditation standards.
The ongoing case highlights the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children, especially those under institutional care. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as legal processes unfold.
For more news and updates on child abuse among wards, visit Filipinokami.com.
