CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 43-year-old American national was arrested after allegedly raping his 21-year-old Filipina girlfriend inside a hotel in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City on Valentine’s Day. Police identified the suspect as Joe Louis Camacho Romero, a native of San Antonio, Texas, who met the victim in 2024 through a dating app.

According to investigators, the woman, who hails from Zamboanga del Norte, traveled to Cebu on February 13 to meet Romero in person. The two initially checked into a hotel in Lapu-Lapu City before transferring to a Cebu City hotel the following day.

The victim told police that Romero forced himself on her when she refused to have sex, and he allegedly threatened to kill her family if she resisted.

Authorities said the victim immediately reported the incident, leading to Romero’s arrest. He is now facing charges of rape under Philippine law. Police confirmed that the case will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for inquest proceedings.

The incident has drawn public attention, with officials stressing the importance of vigilance in online dating and reminding the public that foreign nationals are subject to the same laws and penalties as Filipinos when committing crimes in the country.

This case underscores the risks associated with meeting strangers from dating platforms and highlights the need for stronger awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable individuals from abuse.

Image from PNP