Philippines no longer a hiding place for paedophiles

Child sex offenders will no longer be able to hop on a plane and continue their sordid fun safe from British justice, as a new extradition treaty has been signed between the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

Long known as a destination for suspected British paedophiles who have committed serious crimes, the new treaty will now mean that victims of crime will be able to see justice done and criminals returned.

Home Office Minister Lord West said: “The government is committed to bringing suspected serious criminals to justice. Crime respects no borders in our increasingly globalised world and extradition treaties help ensure that those alleged to have committed the most serious offences face criminal proceedings.

“Police are aware that the Philippines is a destination for alleged sex offenders. The crimes they commit should not go unpunished simply because they have crossed a border. It is vital that our law enforcement agencies have effective tools to bring suspected offenders to justice as quickly as possible. Today marks a vital step in making that happen.”