FALSE. A YouTube video claims that Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez was arrested in the United States under the administration of Donald Trump.
FACT. There is no record of any arrest order issued by US authorities. No credible US or Philippine news outlet, nor any official government agency, has confirmed such a claim.
The video, uploaded by the channel “Political PH TV,” uses a sensational thumbnail showing Trump holding a supposed warrant and Romualdez in an orange prison uniform. It has gained over 24,000 views and nearly 2,000 likes. However, the imagery appears designed to dramatize the claim and does not correspond to any verified event.
A review of reports from major US and Philippine media organizations shows no documentation of any arrest involving Romualdez in the United States. There are likewise no statements from US law enforcement agencies confirming such action.
Separately, the Department of Justice clarified that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) merely monitors the travel of individuals involved in ongoing investigations. It does not restrict departure nor serve as a warrant of arrest. Recommendations to file charges before the Office of the Ombudsman are also separate from any judicial finding of guilt.
