Quiboloy Urged by Senator Bato to Surrender
RONALD “BATO” DELA ROSA – The senator has called on Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), to surrender to authorities to restore normalcy for the church’s members.
Dela Rosa emphasized that Quiboloy’s surrender would help bring peace to the KOJC compound and allow its members to return to their usual lives. He noted that while the authorities encourage Quiboloy to surrender, the final decision rests with him.
“Kung pwede lang ini-encourage natin na mag-surrender siya pero at the end of the day, it’s his call,” Senator Bato said.
Quiboloy’s lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon, has reiterated that Quiboloy is willing to surrender only if President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. issues a written assurance that Quiboloy will not be extradited to the U.S. The pastor faces serious allegations in the U.S., including sex trafficking and coercion, and is charged under several Republic Acts in the Philippines. Dela Rosa described Quiboloy’s condition not as a demand but as a potential negotiation term, emphasizing that no wanted person can impose conditions on authorities unless they are holding a hostage.
DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez stated that no government official can provide such a guarantee, as treaties become law once ratified by the Senate. However, Torreon argued that it is within the President’s authority to assure protection to citizens from extraordinary rendition.
Dela Rosa also expressed doubt about Quiboloy’s presence in the KOJC compound, noting that the police search, which has been ongoing for days, has yet to locate him. He had previously requested President Marcos to withdraw 2,000 police officers from the KOJC compound, citing the impact on members’ religious freedom and academic rights. Despite poor weather conditions, the Philippine National Police continued their search in Davao City. Torreon confirmed that Quiboloy was not at the compound and had not been seen since March.
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