President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday said that there would be no special treatment for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy despite his prominence.
Speaking to Palace reporters, Marcos said Quiboloy would be treated just like any other arrested individuals.
Marcos also guaranteed that Quiboloy’s rights would be respected.
The Philippine National Police earlier said the fugitive pastor had surrendered after he was given an ultimatum by the organization to turn himself in within 24 hours.
According to PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, law enforcers had given him the ultimatum to surrender within that period, otherwise a building in the KOJC compound in Davao City would be entered by authorities.
Quiboloy’s lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon, said the religious leader surrendered to stop the “lawless violence” at the KOJC compound.
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.
He is also facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, before a Pasig court.
The KOJC founder has also been 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.
Quiboloy has since denied all allegations thrown against him.
Marcos also said there has been no request yet from the United States government regarding the extradition of Quiboloy.
“The extradition request is not yet there,” Marcos said during an ambush interview with Palace reporters, noting that local judicial process has to be done first. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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