Davao family court orders Quiboloy’s arrest

(File photo: KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA – The Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 12-Family Court has ordered the immediate implementation of an arrest warrant against Apollo Quiboloy and five others for child abuse and sexual abuse.

The Davao RTC earlier issued a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy, Jackielyn W. Roy, Crescente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid C. Canada and Sylvia Cemañes last March 14, but its implementation was suspended following an appeal filed before the Department of Justice by Quiboloy’s camp.

In an order dated April 1, Judge Dante Baguio noted that while the defense filed a motion to defer and suspend the proceedings, and hold in abeyance the issuance of warrants of arrest pending a motion for reconsideration filed before the DOJ, no ruling has yet been handed down by the DOJ on whether it has decided to withdraw the indictments.

The court said “more than reasonable time has lapsed” and it has yet to receive any resolution of Quiboloy’s motion for reconsideration by the DOJ, and “neither a copy of the same was furnished to the court by accused’s counsels nor a manifestation was duly filed, at the very least.”

“Having received none as of this date, the Court declines this time to await. As what was earlier determined upon judicious examination and perusal of information where it found probable cause, let the warrants of arrest already issued be implemented immediately,” it said.

Meanwhile, Justice Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez told reporters that prosecutors will be meeting shortly to plan the prosecution’s next move following the issuance of the arrest warrants.

Quiboloy and the others were charged for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minor and maltreatment.