By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the unsealing of the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused by a California judge in the United States, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday (11 March 2024) said it was ready to implement orders concerning the cases against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
It was learned that the unsealing was requested by the United States Attorney Criminal Division handling Quiboloy’s case, which involves charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and cash smuggling.
“On the part of the PNP, just like we normally and usually do kapag kailangan po ng assistance ng PNP ay lagi naman po tayong naka-ready na magbigay ng assistance sa other concerned government agencies like DOJ (Department of Justice) at DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) po,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a press conference.
Last Thursday (7 March 2024), Central District of California Judge Terry Hatter Jr. ordered the unsealing of the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused.
“Upon application of the government, and for good cause shown, the arrest warrants and returns in this case are unsealed,” Hatter declared in his order dated March 1, 2024.
New York lawyer Lara Gregory said this could be the first step in initiating the extradition process by the US Department of Justice for Quiboloy.
However, Fajardo said the PNP has not yet received any communication from the US regarding the cases against Quiboloy.
The national police spokesperson added that the PNP would first consult with “higher” authorities for the possible implementation of the order from the foreign jurisdiction.
Last month, Quiboloy denied in an audio message the allegations and accused the US government, allegedly with help from Philippine government officials, of plotting to “eliminate” him through rendition.
(el Amigo/MNM)
