Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, attends the “Saturday News Forum” in Quezon City in this file photo taken on April 27, 2024. INQUIRER.net file photo / ARNEL TACSON
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it does not intend to “single out” fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and his cohort, as it disclosed that its Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) has so far revoked 17 licenses to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) this year.
Based on FEO’s 2024 data, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo explained that they canceled 134 firearms registrations and 17 LTOPFs.
READ: PNP chief OKs recommendation to revoke Quiboloy’s firearm licenses
“From January to present, the licensees who got their LTOPF revoked was 17, including Pastor Quiboloy and Ms. [Ingrid] Canada, and the total firearms registration revoked was 134,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Monday.
“I just want to make it clear that it is not the intention of the PNP, particularly FEO, to single out Pastor Quiboloy and his accomplice,” she added.
Fajardo likewise revealed that they have canceled or revoked 6,107 firearms registrations, including 4,000 who could not renew their gun registration.
Last April 26, the PNP chief General Rommel Marbil approved the recommendation of FEO to revoke the LTOPF of Canada and Quiboloy, who have existing arrest warrants on charges of child abuse, sexual assault, trafficking, exploitation, and discrimination.
FEO’s recommendation was released a day after Senator Risa Hontiveros called on Marbil to “lead better,” saying that the police may now confiscate Quiboloy’s guns based on his pending cases under the implementing rules and regulations of the PNP.
Last April 3, a Davao Regional Trial Court issued arrest orders against Quiboloy and his subordinates, namely Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Sylvia Camanes, Jackiely Roy, and Canada.
They were charged with violating Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment.
On April 11, a Pasig City court also issued a warrant for the arrest of the self-proclaimed “appointed son of God” for qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense.