Sen. Risa Hontiveros was dismayed by the possibility of US authorities beating the Philippine National Police (PNP) to the arrest of fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, Raymund Dadpaas reports for MBC TV Network News.
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Hontiveros warned the PNP that if they did not take tracking and apprehending Quiboloy seriously, the US would get to him first. She called for PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil to mobilize his police force and do so.
Quiboloy is on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Most Wanted list for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling. The California Court has issued a warrant for his arrest following the freezing of his multiple properties in America.
The US may request his extradition so he may face his cases there.
"Huwag naman sana na mahuli 'yung ating Philippine National Police sa kung at kailan mag-extradition request ang Estados Unidos, dahil doon, humaharap si Quiboloy sa anim na mabibigat din na mga kaso, na nabuksan na yung warrant doon sa California Court. Matagal nang nasa Most Wanted list siya ng FBI. Matagal nang finreeze ng US government ang kanyang mga assets," Hontiveros said.
["I hope the Philippine National Police won't be left behind if and when the United States requests for extradition, because there, Quiboloy faces six heavy cases too, so his warrant of arrest has been issued by the California Court. It's been a long time since he was placed on the FBI's Most Wanted list. It's been a long time since the US government froze his assets."]
Hontiveros also questioned the PNP's "double standard" for Quiboloy.
After canceling his gun license and his Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR), Quiboloy was given six months to surrender his firearms. An ordinary citizen under the same sanctions, however, is expected to hand theirs over immediately.
Sec. Benhur Abalos of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported the "good news" that Quiboloy's camp had turned in 5 guns.
These are only a few of the 19 firearms registered under Quiboloy's name, nonetheless.
There are also the firearms used by Quiboloy's private army to account for, which supporters have been vaunting on social media.