PBBM: Conditions for Quiboloy’s surrender ‘immaterial’

WANTED. The wanted poster of the fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy. The Court of Appeals, in a notice dated Aug. 6, 2024, has issued a freeze order on known assets of Quiboloy and the KOJC to avoid the possibility of the funds or properties from being placed beyond the reach of law enforcers. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The conditions set for the surrender of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy are “immaterial,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.

In an interview during an aerial inspection of flood-hit areas in the cities of Marikina and Antipolo, Marcos said Quiboloy’s fate now lies in the court’s hands.

“Parang hindi niya yata masyadong naintindihan ang proseso na pagka nag-issue ang korte ng (It seems that he did not understand the process that when the court issued the) bench warrant or warrant of arrest, it is out of our hands already. It is in the court’s hands,” Marcos said, when asked to react to Quiboloy’s conditions for his surrender.

“Kailangan ang kausap niya ang korte dahil ang executive, ang papel lang namin ngayon ay arestuhin siya (He needs to talk to the court because the executive, our only role now is to arrest him). So, all of these conditions that he’s putting in are immaterial,” he said.

Quiboloy earlier asked Marcos to issue a “written declaration” that he would not be turned over to the United States (US) for “extraordinary rendition”.

Quiboloy was indicted in the US for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children.

He is wanted for violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

He is also on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s wanted list.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Aug. 31 said the executive department has no say in the possible extradition of Quiboloy, adding that the possible request for him to be rendered to the US would be referred to the proper court.

The DOJ told Quiboloy to just “come out, present his evidence, present himself, and address the charges.”

‘Information leak’ seen

The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, said an informant may be helping those hiding in the underground facility inside the KOJC compound.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said this is among the factors contributing to the delay in the search for Quiboloy, which is now on its 12th day.

“Whoever is in that underground facility, they are receiving information because we once proceed to a particular place, our instruments detect somebody who is walking, running or leaving that place. It’s a clear indication that somebody is feeding them information,” she said in Filipino in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

She said a KOJC representative is closely watching and documenting all measures undertaken by the police inside the compound.

She said the detection instruments being used by the police do not lie.

“As I have said, these instruments are not only being used in the Philippines. Even abroad, these can detect human life under the rubble during calamities. These detectors show human movements, I just cannot show you but that is the case,” she said.

Fajardo also belied allegations that the needs of the police officers deployed in the search mission for Quiboloy are neglected.

“In fact, our Director for Comptrollership (Maj. Gen. Neil Alinsañgan) is there until now. He is there for more than two weeks to make sure that all of our officers’ needs are provided – food, sleeping facilities and even portalets. As for these so-called clamors of our police officers, we have reservations on these and a lot of fake news are being circulated. Let’s not believe these,” she said.