A fugitive British paedophile is poised for deportation to the United Kingdom following his arrest while living and working as a diving instructor in the Philippines. Andrew Charles Beaumont, aged 47, was apprehended by intelligence officers on February 16 at a scuba centre located on the island of Romblon.
Arrest and Background
At the time of his detention, Beaumont was allegedly providing diving lessons at Tablas Pro Scuba on Romblon Island, a business he appears to operate jointly with his wife, Bhebe Visca. According to authorities, Beaumont last entered the Philippines in September 2022 on a temporary visa that lapsed in November 2023, rendering him an 'overstaying alien'.
Previous Convictions
Beaumont was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in 2009 after admitting to sexual offences involving a 15-year-old student he taught at a high school in Melbourne, Australia. He pleaded guilty to nine charges, including sexual penetration of a child under 16 under his authority and possession of child pornography.
The offences occurred at various locations, such as the student's parents' home, his car, and on school grounds, including inside a cleaning cupboard. Immigration officials have confirmed that Beaumont is a registered sex offender in Britain and is subject to a lifelong Sexual Offence Notification Order issued in 2012.
Official Response
Joel Anthony Viado of the Philippines Bureau of Immigration issued a strong statement condemning Beaumont's actions. “It is absolutely unacceptable for foreign sex offenders to come to our country,” he said. “We express our outrage against anyone - especially foreigners - who seek to victimize minors and violate their innocence.”
Viado added, “The Bureau of Immigration will relentlessly pursue and deport individuals who pose a threat to our children. We stand firm in our commitment to safeguard children. Through our #ShieldKids campaign and close coordination with international and local law enforcement agencies, we will ensure that predators find no refuge in the Philippines.”
Personal Life and Current Status
Beaumont and his wife share a daughter, according to reports. A Facebook post by his wife showed them enjoying a Valentine's Day meal just two days prior to his arrest. Officials have stated that Beaumont will remain in custody while deportation proceedings are underway. The Foreign Office has been approached for comment on the matter.
