Quiboloy's gun permit revoked —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has revoked the gun permit of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing charges in the Philippines and even in the United States.

"Yes," Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo told reporters in a message when asked if PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil has approved the recommendation to revoke Quiboloy's license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF).

The PNP's Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) earlier recommended the revocation of Quiboloy's guns, citing Section 4 (g) of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Under the Standards and Requisites for Issuance of and Obtaining a License to Own and Possess Firearms of the Law, “The applicant has not been convicted or is currently an accused in a pending criminal case before any court of law for a crime that is punishable with a penalty of more than two years.”

Legal disability for gun ownership also includes “pendency of a criminal case with imposable penalty of two years.”

Quiboloy has 19 firearms and the license of one of them already expired in March, the PNP said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who leads the Senate probe into Quiboloy’s alleged involvement in human trafficking and sexual abuses, thanked the PNP for its response to her call to revoke the pastor's gun permits.

She asked the PNP to ensure that no firearms will be left to the members of Quiboloy’s group.

“Dapat lang na mabuwag na ang private army niya, na todo-balandra rin ng kanilang mga baril sa social media. At higit sa lahat, harinawa, maaresto na si Quiboloy sa lalong madaling panahon. He continues to mock our institutions. Kamakailan lang nagpalabas na naman siya ng audio recording kung saan nagbigay pa siya ng bugtong tungkol sa location niya,” she said.

“Matapos nilang pagdiskitahan ang Senado bilang institusyon, ngayon naman, ang ating kapulisan ang iniinsulto. Hindi tayo papayag na pagmukhain niya tayong tanga,” she added. 

The Senate has issued an arrest order against Quiboloy for "unduly refusing to appear, despite due notices" at hearings on his alleged involvement in the sexual abuse of his members and human trafficking issues.

A Davao court also issued a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy and five others over charges of child abuse.

Four of the co-accused turned themselves in, while another, Cresente Canada, was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation agents. All five have posted bail, while Quiboloy remains at large.

An arrest warrant was also issued by a Pasig court for Quiboloy for human trafficking charges.

In the United States, Central District of California Judge Terry Hatter Jr. on March 7 ordered the unsealing of the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused.

The unsealing was requested by the United States Attorney Criminal Division handling Quiboloy's case, which involves charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and cash smuggling.

"Upon application of the government, and for good cause shown, the arrest warrants and returns in this case are unsealed," Hatter said in his order dated March 1, 2024.

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. earlier said the proceedings against Quiboloy would be fair, adding that the latter should not worry about the United States meddling in his cases.

Quiboloy has denied the accusations against him. —KBK, GMA Integrated News