PNP eyes obstruction raps vs Duterte
INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr yesterday announced a P10 million reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the embattled leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), who is wanted for child abuse and human trafficking.
Abalos made the offer as police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the PNP is preparing charges of obstruction of justice against former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with his statement last week that while he knows where Quiboloy is hiding, he would not divulge his location because the religious leader does not want to surrender to authorities.
In a radio interview, Marbil said he has given intructions to the PNP Legal Service to initiate an investigation for the possible filing of obstruction of justice complaint against Duterte.
He said the PNP Legal Service is now in the process of getting witnesses.
“We are looking and we are getting witnesses to file a case against these people. We cannot hide fugitives, that is against the law,” Marbil stressed, adding: “People are getting hurt every time we serve the warrants of arrest.”
Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte will face any charges that will be filed against him in the proper forum.
“He will face all charges in the proper forum,” Roque said in reaction to Marbil’s statement.
Aside from the P10 million reward for Quiboloy, Abalos also offered a P1 million reward for each of the pastor’s five co-accused, namely Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Jackielyn Roy, and Sylvia Cemanes.
“The cases they are facing are serious, that’s why the court set no bail (for their temporary liberty). Until now, authorities are trying to locate them,” Abalos told a press conference at Camp Crame, referring to Quiboloy and his co-accused.
Abalos said friends, who he did not identify, have supposedly recently offered cash to hasten the arrest of Quiboloy and the other accused who have been in hiding for the past months now.
“We have friends who want to help in finding them and offered a reward of P10 million for any information leading to the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and P1 million each for Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Jackielyn Roy at Sylvia Cemanes,” he said.
“We have friends who are frustrated about what’s happening right now and they want to help, thus, they offered the reward of P10 million (against Quiboloy),” he added.
A Davao City court has issued an arrest warrant against Quiboloy and his co-accused on charges of child abuse. A Pasig City court has also issued an arrest warrant against them for human trafficking.
The Senate has likewise issued a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy for refusing to cooperate in the Senate investigation on sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Asked who offered the reward, Abalos said: “They don’t want their names mentioned but you know they are friends who are frustrated (by the delayed arrest of the accused).”
Abalos appealed to Quiboloy and his co-accused to surrender and face the charges against them if they believe they are innocent.
“Face the accusations just like what the ordinary people are doing,” said Abalos. “It’s simple. If you have (a) warrant and you believe you are innocent, then surrender,” he added.
Based on available information, Abalos said Quiboloy is still in the country. — With Jocelyn Montemayor
