Marcos Jr on Quiboloy surrender condition: Talk to the courts

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday described as “immaterial” the condition set by the camp of fugitive religious leader Apollo Quiboloy that the televangelist would surface if there is a “written declaration” that he would not be turned over to the US for “extraordinary rendition.”

Speaking to the media during his aerial inspection of flooded areas in Luzon, Marcos said the condition should be presented to the courts since the executive branch was only tasked to arrest Quiboloy.

“It seems that he (Quiboloy) did not fully understand the process. When the court issues a bench warrant or warrant (of) arrest, it is out of our hands already. It is in the court’s hands,” Marcos said.

“He has to talk to the court because the only role of the executive is to arrest him. So, all of these conditions that he’s putting in are immaterial,” the President added.

Meanwhile, ranking Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) members could face criminal cases for continuing to impede the government’s manhunt for Quiboloy, who is believed to be hiding in an underground bunker at the KOJC compound, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

Col. Jean Fajardo, the PNP’s chief information officer, issued the warning as the police operation to locate the elusive preacher wanted for child abuse and qualified human trafficking reached its 12th day yesterday.

“All KOJC officers who speak on behalf of Quiboloy will be charged,” Fajardo told a news briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

She did not give names, but among the people from the KOJC who have been visible since the manhunt two weeks ago is lawyer Israelito Torreon, one of Quiboloy’s legal counsels.

She said once police arrest Quiboloy, they would file cases against KOJC officers for obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive.

“We have experienced delays in pinpointing his location because of the distractions of members of the KOJC,” Fajardo said.

The PNP also “strongly condemns” the attempt to politicize its serving of arrest warrants to Quiboloy.

“Politicizing the law threatens the trust of the public and the rule of law,” PNP Region 11 Director BGen. Nicolas Torre III said in a video message.

He assured the