They come from Asia, as do all other dat species. Your friend is more then likely mistaken because of the common "trade name" quadrifasciatus are sold under, "American Tiger Fish". I've tried to trace the origin of the name "American Tiger Fish", to find out why it was called that, my search has been fruitless.
Quadrifasciatus has a wide range and can be found from india, throughout south east asia and apparently into australia. I am going to take a guess that if quadrifasciatus has such a wide range, it may be found on the Philipines, and since the Philipines were a US (American) colony. Possibly they gained the name that way. Just a guess, don't quote me on that.
Anyways, hope that helped,
Justin Morash
