An Australian doctor working for the World Health Organization (WHO) who was detained for alleged child molestation in the Philippines is not covered by diplomatic immunity, the UN body said.
Marcus Hodge, 47, was arrested by police earlier this month while allegedly molesting a 12-year-old boy inside a parked car in Manila's Makati financial district.
The WHO said in a statement that Hodge worked as a "programme development and operations officer" at its Western Pacific regional office in Manila.
"In order to clear up any misunderstanding, the WHO would like to point out that Dr Marcus Hodge currently detained in Manila on charges related to sexual offences against children does not have diplomatic immunity," the WHO said.
Although the charges against Hodge do not directly involve the organisation, the WHO said it was prepared to "fully assist" authorities with their investigation.
Sexual exploitation of a person below 18 years of age is punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to five million pesos (105,374 US dollars) under a 2003 law.
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