MANILA – After refusing to cooperate with the Senate investigation regarding the alleged sexual abuses involving Apollo Quiboloy, who claims to be the son of God, the upper chamber officially issued an order yesterday for the arrest and detention of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader for contempt.
The arrest order was authorized yesterday by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality.
Quiboloy has been “directed to be arrested and detained at the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms until such time that he agrees to appear and testify before the committee or resolves the contempt charge.”
“The Sergeant-at-Arms is hereby directed to carry out and implement this order and make a return hereof within 24 hours from its enforcement,” the order read.
In an impromptu interview yesterday, Zubiri remarked that signing the arrest order was a “ministerial” duty for him following the Senate’s granting of due process to Quiboloy through the issuance of a show-cause order.
Zubiri explained that he had to defer to Hontiveros’s decision to seek an arrest order after finding Quiboloy’s explanation to the Senate unsatisfactory regarding why he should not be held in contempt.
Despite efforts of backchannel talks with the KOJC founder, Zubiri stated that Quiboloy adamantly refused to comply. Consequently, the Senate had no choice but to proceed with the warrant for his arrest.
Zubiri reassured Quiboloy that he would be provided protection within the Senate detention area.
Furthermore, Zubiri stated that committee hearings on the alleged sexual abuses involving Quiboloy and his followers would be arranged promptly, even during the Senate recess.
“Once again, we must respect each and every invited resource person. We can guarantee their personal safety and security, not only to Pastor Quiboloy, but all invited resource persons,” Zubiri said.
Hontiveros remarked that the Senate’s issuance of an arrest order against Quiboloy “is timely, especially during Women’s Month.”
“Quiboloy has no right to trample on the dignity of the Senate and disrespect the institution. I would like to thank the witnesses for bravely coming out in this fight,” Hontiveros said.
Witnesses have alleged that Quiboloy raped them and coerced them into fundraising to sustain his lifestyle.
Former Senator Leila de Lima praised Zubiri for issuing the arrest order against Quiboloy, describing him as a sexual offender.
“This is a significant day for the fight against impunity of powerful but depraved demagogues,” De Lima said in a statement.
Sexual abuse, human trafficking raps filed
Criminal charges have been formally filed before trial courts in Davao City and Pasig against Quiboloy for the alleged sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking of a 17-year-old girl in 2011.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), complaints for violations of Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, were lodged against Quiboloy before the Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Other respondents named in the case for violation of Section 10(a) of RA 7610 include Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes.
The DOJ stated that the recommended bail for sexual assault is set at P180,000, while for maltreatment, it is P80,000.
Additionally, a complaint for qualified human trafficking was filed against Quiboloy before a court in Pasig City. This charge, as per the DOJ, is non-bailable.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla previously announced that the DOJ intends to request the transfer of the case in Davao City to any RTC branch in Manila.
“The justice department is dedicated to the enforcement of our laws and the protection of our children from exploitation and abuse,” Remulla said.
“These cases underscore our commitment to hold accountable those who would harm our society’s most vulnerable,” he added.
Remulla emphasized that these cases serve as a stark reminder that no individual, regardless of their stature, is exempt from the law.
The decision to file the cases in a Davao court followed Remulla’s approval of the petition for review submitted by the female victim. She sought to overturn the 2020 ruling of the Davao City prosecutor’s office, which dismissed her complaint against Quiboloy and the other respondents.
According to the DOJ, the 17-year-old victim detailed a series of alleged sexual abuses dating back to 2011, including a rape incident in September 2014. Additionally, she claimed to have been subjected to maltreatment and forced labor without compensation, all under the pretext of religious service to the church founded by Quiboloy.
Remulla stated that the filing of charges effectively prevents Quiboloy from being extradited to another country, notably the United States, where he faces numerous charges of sexual abuse and labor trafficking.
Contingency
Police authorities have begun devising contingency plans to facilitate the anticipated arrest of Quiboloy.
Brigadier General Alden Delvo, the police director for the Davao region, disclosed that these contingency measures include engaging in discussions with Quiboloy’s followers who could potentially react adversely to the arrest order issued by the Senate against their leader.
“We are ready for any eventualities that may come from the serving of the arrest warrant,” Delvo told reporters.
Colonel Jean Fajardo, the Philippine National Police chief information officer, reiterated that it is the responsibility of the Senate’s sergeant-at-arms to execute the arrest order, with the PNP only providing security if requested by the upper chamber.
Brigadier General Alden Delvo added that they intend to engage in discussions with the security personnel at Glory Mountain, the expansive property of the KOJC in Davao City, in case representatives from the Senate visit the area to locate Quiboloy.
Furthermore, he appealed for calmness from Quiboloy’s supporters, emphasizing that their leader has legal representation to defend him in the appropriate legal venue.
“You just let the law take its due course,” Delvo said.
Delvo holds the belief that Quiboloy is still residing in Davao City, which the pastor regards as his home.
‘Money laundering’
ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro voiced reservations regarding the appointment of former president Rodrigo Duterte as the caretaker of Quiboloy’s assets, suggesting that this decision could arouse suspicions of potential “money laundering.”
“It raises more doubts on the connections of the two and talk of money laundering issues between them,” Castro said in a statement. “In essence, Duterte is an accomplice in hiding a wanted fugitive.”
Castro highlighted that Quiboloy is currently facing charges of sex trafficking involving force, fraud, and coercion, along with conspiracy and cash smuggling allegations in the United States.
Additionally, she pointed out that Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth have not been disclosed, raising concerns about the extent of his asset accumulation since assuming the presidency.
“Billions of pesos in confidential and intelligence funds have passed through him without proper accounting and now he will be handling the assets of Quiboloy. We cannot blame our countrymen if they suspect that there is a money laundering arrangement between these two,” Castro said.
Castro emphasized that the Office of the Ombudsman should make public Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) spanning from 2016 to 2022.
