PNP assistance limited to escorting Senate in serving Quiboloy warrant

PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo  (INQUIRER.net file photo /Faith Argosino)

MANILA, Philippines — If ever the Senate decides to issue an arrest warrant against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy, the Philippine National Police assistance will only be limited to escorting the upper chamber’s sergeant at arms in serving it, according to PNP Spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo. 

During the Senate panel on women’s Tuesday hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros moved to cite the alleged sex offender for contempt. The senator requested an arrest warrant against him after he skipped the chamber’s probe on his alleged crimes.

Fajardo said the PNP has not received any official request from the Senate but related that the police force had already assisted Congress in implementing an arrest warrant before. 

“There are instances that Congress sought assistance from the PNP. However, if it involves the implementation of their mandate, it is the Congress’ sergeant-at-arms that will implement it. The PNP participation will be limited to providing security to the process server,” Fajardo told INQUIRER.net in a Viber message on Tuesday. 

She clarified that the authority to issue the arrest warrant rests within “the ambit of the authority of Congress,” and PNP’s jurisdiction no longer covers it. 

Last February 22, Fajardo said that PNP “is ready” and just waiting for the official request from the legislative chamber. 

She also revealed that the PNP had not intercepted any information indicating threats to the life of Quiboloy after the latter claimed a plot to have him killed. 

Quiboloy also cited this as a reason for ignoring the two subpoenas Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri issued by against him last February 19 and 21.