Michael Marasigan, a fugitive on the FBI's Most Wanted list, has reportedly been sighted in the Philippines, thousands of miles from where he is accused of perpetrating a large-scale fraud. Marasigan was allegedly seen at a high-end Spanish restaurant in Manila, the country's capital, according to reports. Photographs, purportedly taken in March, depict him with a hairstyle similar to his FBI mugshot and wearing casual attire, including a gold bracelet or watch.
Marasigan was sentenced in absentia in May to nearly 22 years in prison for his role in a scheme that defrauded bingo players in Guam out of tens of millions of dollars in charitable donations. The funds were purportedly intended for transporting children to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Hawaii for medical care. He was convicted in May 2025 on charges including conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
He fled the United States and evaded a court order to return after being granted a medical release to the Philippines. The restaurant where Marasigan was reportedly seen is part of a chain in Manila where meals can cost approximately $32 per person, considered expensive in the city. Main courses and paella dishes typically range from $16 to $40.
Marasigan's alleged scheme generated at least $34 million. He and his co-conspirators are accused of laundering the money and retaining approximately $10.75 million for themselves. In addition to his prison sentence, Marasigan was ordered to pay $10 million in restitution, over $5.8 million in forfeiture, and $6,500 in assessment fees. The FBI is offering a $150,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
The FBI's Honolulu office has stated that the bureau is actively seeking public information on Marasigan's whereabouts and remains committed to bringing him to justice. Extradition from the Philippines to the U.S. is not automatic and is subject to an appeal process, according to the Philippine Consulate General. There have been no known further developments in the case since the outlet reported its sighting and the FBI was notified in June.