MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos urged Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to just give himself up to authorities and face his sexual abuse and trafficking charges in court.
Abalos said that the controversial leader of the “Kingdom of Jesus Christ” should just surrender to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the sake of his supporters.
“Ako ay nananawagan kay Pastor: Let’s end this. Kung ikaw ay naaawa sa mga follower mo, alang-alang sa sarili mo, sumurrender ka na (I appeal to Pastor: Let’s end this. If you pity your followers, for your sake, surrender.),” the interior secretary said.
Abalos said that Quiboloy should just present his defense in proper courts and surrender to the police before the situation gets out of hand.
“Kung mahal niya ang followers niya, let’s end this. Ito ay order na ng korte. May warrant ka. Sumurrender ka na. Ikaw ay dapat managot. Ilabas mo sa korte ang depensa mo (If he cares about his followers, let’s end this. This is the court’s order. You have a warrant. You have to face your charges. Defend yourself in court),” he said.
Quiboloy was also criticized for double standards with his refusal to recognize the International Criminal Court (ICC) in favor of Philippine courts, now that he has been slapped with warrants before the Davao and Pasig Regional Trial Courts (RTC).
Abalos noted that Quiboloy’s camp now appears to only favor what is “convenient” as the controversial pastor also refuses to recognize arrest warrants issued by Filipino judges.
“Totoo po ‘yun. Ang problema, kung ano lang [ata] ang convenient sa kanila. ‘Yun ang sinasabi nila parati. Mapunta ka sa ganung klaseng sitwasyon, iba naman ang sinasabi (That’s true. The problem is they only favor what is convenient to them),” Abalos said.
Abalos made this appeal to Quiboloy in a radio interview after he announced a P10 million reward for anyone who can lead authorities to Quiboloy’s whereabouts.
In a press conference at Camp Crame with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, Abalos said the “reward” was pooled by “friends” who were “frustrated” by Quiboloy’s continued disregard for the law.
Abalos also announced a reward of P1 million each for the capture of his five co-accused.
Authorities warned that those coddling Quiboloy may face charges of violation of Presidential Decree 1829 or obstruction of justice.
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