PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday mentioned televangelist Apollo C. Quiboloy should face youngster sexual abuse and human trafficking expenses filed earlier than a Philippine courtroom after his arrest on Sunday, earlier than he might be extradited to the US, the place he’s needed for related crimes.
“For the second, extradition isn’t what we’re ,” he advised reporters in combined English and Filipino, based mostly on a transcript despatched by way of e-mail by the Presidential Communications Workplace.
“What we’re are the circumstances and complaints filed right here within the Philippines and these are what he should face first,” he added.
Mr. Quiboloy, who claims to be an “appointed son of God,” was arrested after weeks of police search. He’s needed for youngster sexual abuse and allegations of human trafficking within the Philippines.
He’s additionally needed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation within the US on expenses of intercourse trafficking and bulk money smuggling.
Mr. Quiboloy, who has denied the costs, is adopted by hundreds of thousands of individuals within the Philippines, the place the church has political affect. He’s additionally the non secular adviser of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
“There is no such thing as a particular remedy,” Mr. Marcos mentioned. “We are going to deal with him like every other arrested individual and respect his rights. We are going to reveal as soon as once more that our judicial system within the Philippines is lively, vibrant and dealing.”
Greater than 2,000 police had been deployed to go looking the compound in Davao Metropolis owned by Mr. Quiboloy‘s church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), on suspicion that he was hiding there in a bunker.
Philippine police spokesperson Jean S. Fajardo on Sunday mentioned Mr. Quiboloy was captured contained in the compound, however didn’t present particulars.
Israelito P. Torreon, Mr. Quiboloy‘s lawyer, disputed the federal government’s account, saying the pastor surrendered to the police and army as a result of he didn’t need the scenario to additional escalate. “The innocence of Quiboloy shall be affirmed by the courtroom,” he advised DZBB radio.
Mr. Quiboloy’s different lawyer, Ferdinand S. Topacio, advised BusinessWorld in a Viber message on Sunday night mentioned they’d “proceed to guard his rights beneath the Structure and the legal guidelines as we put together for his protection.”
Mr. Marcos mentioned Mr. Quiboloy‘s camp had set situations for his give up, together with a assure he wouldn’t be despatched to the US to face expenses.
“Placing situations isn’t an choice for somebody who’s a fugitive,” Mr. Marcos mentioned, describing the legislation enforcement operation to seize Mr. Quiboloy as “police work at its greatest.”
“It’s with some reduction that I can say that this part of the operation is over. We are going to now depart Quiboloy to the judicial system,” he added.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla advised reporters he expects the US authorities to file an extradition request for Mr. Quiboloy “very quickly.”
PRESENTED TO MEDIA
“Keep in mind, we now have a treaty with the US, it’s a part of the legislation of the land,” he mentioned. “We must play it out effectively, we now have to check it correctly so we all know what to do.”
Just like the President, the Justice chief mentioned the embattled preacher ought to face expenses within the Philippines first.
“He ought to face the music right here, particularly since he made it troublesome for the police to seek out him,” he mentioned. “In the long run, he needed to give up or allowed himself to be caught anyway. He brought on pointless bother for our police and for the general public. He ought to actually be tried right here,” he mentioned in Filipino.
Mr. Remulla mentioned he has ordered prosecutors to arrange all of the proof towards Mr. Quiboloy for a swift trial.
He added that one of many complainants towards Mr. Quiboloy had reached out to the division and could possibly be positioned beneath the federal government’s Witness Safety Program.
At a separate briefing, Inside Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. and nationwide police chief Rommel Francisco D. Marbil introduced to media Mr. Quiboloy and his 4 cohorts wearing vibrant orange T-shirts, their faces lined by black scarves and face masks.
Davao Area Police Director Nicolas D. Torre III mentioned they gave the accused an ultimatum for his or her give up, including that the deadline was prolonged to keep away from harming civilians.
Mr. Marbil mentioned they had been 80% positive the televangelist was hiding within the church compound in Davao Metropolis. The 5 surrendered on the night of Sept. 8, although negotiations began at about 1:30 p.m.
In April, a Pasig trial courtroom ordered the arrest of Mr. Quiboloy for certified human trafficking, whereas a Davao Metropolis courtroom issued an arrest warrant for youngster sexual abuse.
He was indicted in a California district courtroom on Nov. 10, 2021, and a federal warrant had been issued for his arrest. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana and JVDO