PNP to file charges vs those who hid Quiboloy

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday it is set to file obstruction of justice charges against individuals suspected of harboring Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

This, as PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said that a full investigation has been launched to hold those who helped Quiboloy in evading law enforcers accountable. 

“We will not tolerate any form of obstruction to justice. Our investigation aims to identify those who knowingly provided refuge to Quiboloy, and we will ensure they face appropriate legal consequences,” Marbil said in a statement.

The religious leader was caught last Sunday at 6 p.m. inside the KOJC compound in Davao City, where the police had been searching for him since August 24.

Quiboloy is facing charges under Section 5(b) and  Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, as well as a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended.

The Davao-based televangelist was also indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.

According to Marbil, Quiboloy could not have evaded law enforcers without the assistance of “close associates, including legal representatives who actively misled authorities regarding his exact whereabouts.”

"Obstruction of justice is a serious offense, and those who aided in shielding Quiboloy from law enforcement will be charged accordingly. The law is clear—no one is above it, and those who helped Quiboloy will be held accountable,” the PNP chief said.

GMA News Online sought Quiboloy's legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon and Atty. Ferdinand Topacio for comments on the matter and will update this story once they respond. 

The PNP said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under Police Major General Leo Francisco has been directed to lead the case build-up.

The CIDG is expected to “spearhead efforts to gather evidence and ensure that those complicit in harboring the fugitive are brought to justice.”

On Friday, Quiboloy and his co-accused pleaded not guilty to qualified human trafficking and child and sexual abuse charges.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla had said they are expecting the US to file an extradition request for Quiboloy very soon but the KOJC leader should face the charges filed against him in the Philippines first.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, meanwhile, said the extradition to the United States of Quiboloy is "inevitable.” —Giselle Ombay/RF, GMA Integrated News