Marcos Jr on Quiboloy surrender condition: Talk to the courts

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday described as “immaterial” the condition set by the camp of fugitive religious leader Apollo Quiboloy that the televangelist would surface if there is a “written declaration” that he would not be turned over to the US for “extraordinary rendition.”

Speaking to the media during his aerial inspection of flooded areas in Luzon, Marcos said the condition should be presented to the courts since the executive branch was only tasked to arrest Quiboloy.

“It seems that he (Quiboloy) did not fully understand the process. When the court issues a bench warrant or warrant (of) arrest, it is out of our hands already. It is in the court’s hands,” Marcos said.

“He has to talk to the court because the only role of the executive is to arrest him. So, all of these conditions that he’s putting in are immaterial,” the President added.

Meanwhile, ranking Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) members could face criminal cases for continuing to impede the government’s manhunt for Quiboloy, who is believed to be hiding in an underground bunker at the KOJC compound, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

Col. Jean Fajardo, the PNP’s chief information officer, issued the warning as the police operation to locate the elusive preacher wanted for child abuse and qualified human trafficking reached its 12th day yesterday.

“All KOJC officers who speak on behalf of Quiboloy will be charged,” Fajardo told a news briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

She did not give names, but among the people from the KOJC who have been visible since the manhunt two weeks ago is lawyer Israelito Torreon, one of Quiboloy’s legal counsels.

She said once police arrest Quiboloy, they would file cases against KOJC officers for obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive.

“We have experienced delays in pinpointing his location because of the distractions of members of the KOJC,” Fajardo said.

The PNP also “strongly condemns” the attempt to politicize its serving of arrest warrants to Quiboloy.

“Politicizing the law threatens the trust of the public and the rule of law,” PNP Region 11 Director BGen. Nicolas Torre III said in a video message.

He assured the public that their “commitment to justice and transparency is strong.”

He also asked the public to help combat the politically motivated misinformation and support the fair application of justice.

Senate inspection

A number of senators will conduct today an ocular inspection and public hearing on KOJC’s compound.

Torreon told The STAR they welcome the members of the Senate committee on justice and human rights for purposes of transparency, especially with reports that policemen have been digging tunnels in the basement of the KOJC’s cathedral and the Jose Maria College (JMC) building.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa will lead the senators in the ocular inspection and public hearing which shall be held jointly with the committees on public order and dangerous drugs.

Meanwhile, Torreon said the KOJC has already coordinated with the office of Dela Rosa and Senate President Francis Escudero concerning the documents needed at the ocular inspection and public hearing at the KOJC tomorrow.

“We are really looking forward to the ocular inspection because the senators can compel the policemen… to show the tunnels they have been digging at the cathedral and the JMC,” Torreon said.

The PNP also welcomes the Senate ocular inspection, saying police are fully committed to supporting the senators in assessing the legality of their operations.

Marcos Jr. shrugs off VP apology to KOJC

Marcos said it is within Vice President Sara Duterte’s prerogative to apologize to KOJC members for endorsing his presidential bid.

The Quiboloy-led group backed the candidacy of Marcos and Duterte during the 2022 elections.

“That’s her prerogative. I still don’t understand why but...that is her... wish. We cannot do anything about it,” the President said.

Marcos said he has not spoken to Duterte since she resigned as Education secretary and vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict last June.

“The last time I spoke to her was when she handed me her resignation. Then, we haven’t spoken since,” the Chief Executive said. – Diana Lhyd Suelto, Emmanuel Tupas, Edith Regalado