APPREHENDED. The wanted poster of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy. The Department of Justice on Monday (Sept. 9, 2024) said Quiboloy must be tried first in the Philippines, and if convicted, serve prison sentence before a request for extradition by the United States is granted. (PNA file photo)
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy would have to face the criminal charges against him, and if convicted, serve prison sentence in the Philippines first before he is turned over to the United States.
In a statement, the DOJ said that while it recognizes the extradition treaty with the US, where Quiboloy is also facing a string of cases, “the embattled religious leader will be tried first in the Philippines for crimes he committed here.”
“And if convicted, (he) must first serve his sentence before granting any request for extradition by the US,” it added.
Quiboloy is facing child abuse and human trafficking charges in the Philippines.
In the US, he is indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla hailed the “zealousness and perseverance” of law enforcers that led to Quiboloy’s apprehension.
“State forces were pushed to their limits yet they never deviated within the bounds of law and maintained legality in their every move until this whole hide-and-seek game with Quiboloy has come to an end," he said.
Since June, authorities have been on the hunt for Quiboloy in connection with the implementation of arrest warrants against him.
He and his four aides were apprehended on Sept. 8 at the KOJC compound in Davao City.
The police said negotiation for their surrender started around 1:30 p.m. when they were issued a 24-hour ultimatum to come out of one of the buildings inside the compound or they would storm the area.
At around 6:30 p.m., a military aircraft flew them out of Davao City and landed at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 8:30 p.m.
They are now at the PNP custodial center in Camp Crame.
Raps eyed vs. coddlers
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., meanwhile, floated the possibility of suing those who assisted Quiboloy in hiding.
In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, Abalos said the result of Sunday’s operation proved that some of the group’s members knew all along that the evangelist was inside the compound.
“Isa lang ang dapat nilang sagutin kung ganun pala kabilis na isusurrender daw nila si Pastor Quiboloy, ibig sabihin all the while, alam nila na si Pastor Quiboloy ang pinagtataguan niya (They should only answer one thing if they can surrender Pastor Quibiloy that fast, they know where Pastor Quiboloy is hiding). We should investigate this and those guilty should be sued accordingly,” he said.
The DILG chief added those coddled Quiboloy can be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1829 (obstruction of justice), which carries a penalty of up to six years imprisonment, a fine of PHP1,000 to PHP6,000 or both.
“It refers to any person who knowingly, willfully obstructs, impedes or frustrates or delays the apprehension of suspects,” Abalos said.
He also quashed claims of human rights violations, asserting that proper protocols were observed during the police custody process for Quiboloy and his aides.
Towards healing
Meanwhile, a prelate offered prayers both for the alleged victims of Quiboloy and his followers.
“We offer prayers for healing, not only for the victims but also for Pastor Quiboloy and his followers, that they may find clarity and strength to face the truth,” Caritas Philippines president and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Coli Bagaforo said in a statement.
Bagaforo also cited the need to uphold the welfare of the victims and their families who have “suffered immensely”.
“Their protection, care, and recovery must be prioritized, along with the support of their families, who carry a heavy burden,” he said.
Bagaforo also urged Filipinos to be vigilant on the development of the cases against the evangelist.
“We urge everyone to be watchful as the case progresses. It is through collective vigilance that we ensure justice is served and human dignity is protected,” he added. (with Christopher Lloyd Caliwan and Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
