MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is preparing to file charges against individuals suspected of harboring Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy for obstruction of justice.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil announced yesterday that a comprehensive investigation is underway to hold accountable those who assisted Quiboloy in evading law enforcers.
“We will not tolerate any form of obstruction to justice,” Marbil said.
“Our investigation aims to identify those who knowingly provided refuge to Quiboloy, and we will ensure they face appropriate legal consequences,” he added.
Quiboloy, who faces charges including child sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking, was located inside the KOJC compound after a police operation which lasted 16 days, ending on Sept. 8 when he was eventually compelled to come out of hiding.
Marbil stressed that Quiboloy’s evasion of capture would not have been possible without the aid of his close associates and legal representatives, who allegedly misled authorities about his whereabouts.
“Obstruction of justice is a serious offense,” the PNP official said, adding that 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,” Marbil said.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been assigned to build the case.
The CIDG will lead efforts to gather evidence and ensure that those complicit in harboring the fugitive are prosecuted. This announcement follows earlier warnings by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who stated that individuals found giving Quiboloy refuge would face thorough investigation and charges.
Duterte, Sara, Bato liable?
Three more lawmakers have expressed belief that former president Rodrigo Duterte, his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, and others could be held liable for allegedly coddling Quiboloy and obstructing his arrest.
Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, House Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre and House Assistant Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V said the Davao trio were allegedly instrumental in hiding Quiboloy for several months from authorities.
“The way that we see it, if indeed it is true that they have prior knowledge on his whereabouts, and then they intentionally hid him, there will be criminal liabilities for that,” Gutierrez told journalists, specifically mentioning harboring a fugitive and obstruction of justice.
“Whether or not they are liable, we leave it to the Department of Justice to properly seek if there is indeed probable cause, and the proper cases would be filed,” he said.
Acidre said that the government should focus on the most important aspect of the case. “As far as we are concerned, we should not forget that this issue is not about the perpetrator. It’s about the victims.”
“It’s about the people who were trafficked, those minors who were sent abroad and who were forced to marry those who committed the crime. If pastor Quiboloy is liable, then it is up to the court to decide so that we can say that finally, justice can prevail,” he said.
Ortega wondered if KOJC members can also be held accountable for their role.
“Were they defending (Quiboloy) or were they just conducting the public hearing? It is because they conducted a public hearing, that is my immediate question. Were they adopted members of KOJC? So, were they representing or were they adopted members?” he asked.
Last week, Representatives Joel Chua and Raul Angelo Bongalon hinted Duterte can be sued for harboring a fugitive and for obstruction of justice on the basis that he feigned innocence on the preacher’s specific whereabouts.
“Duterte, serving as the administrator of the KOJC compound where Quiboloy was apprehended, cannot simply distance himself from this troubling situation,” remarked Chua.
“His (Duterte’s) role within the KOJC compound places him at the center of this unfolding scandal, and the public deserves clear answers about his involvement,” he added, noting that Quiboloy’s own TV network Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) designated Duterte as “caretaker.”
In March of this year, SMNI appointed Duterte as the administrator of KOJC properties.
“The former president can – I think – fit in the definition of an accomplice,” Bongalon said.
He also said that as a lawyer, Duterte should know whereof he speaks. “Being a lawyer also means being an officer of the court. Simply put, he should not be one who should be instrumental in the violation of the country’s laws.”
“It can even be a basis for a petition for disbarment, more so if it can be proven that he did this deliberately – it means not to serve the ends of justice, which is obviously an infraction of the law,” Bongalon said. “Remember, he – for all intents and purposes – was a former president.”
He hinted that Duterte’s daughter, Sara, along with their good friend dela Rosa, can also be investigated, and even charged, for obstruction of justice for trying to divert policemen’s attention in serving Quiboloy’s warrant.
“As far as I’m concerned, the same principle applies to both of them. If the former president – who used to be the chief implementor of the country’s laws – can be charged for helping Quiboloy hide, then so should his daughter and the former PNP chief who is now a senator,” he explained.
“Let us remember that the VP herself declared that the good pastor has already left the country. And now with Quiboloy’s arrest, what does that make her? Did she or did she not protect him and obstruct the administration of justice by diverting police’s attention?” Bongalon asked. — Delon Porcalla
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