INQToday: Quiboloy still in the Philippines, says DOJ

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:

Philippines, US, France start joint patrols in West PH Sea

The navies of the Philippines, United States, and France officially began Thursday their multilateral maritime exercise in the West Philippine Sea, which saw an increase in the presence of Chinese vessels ahead of the trilateral patrols.

Captain Ariel Coloma, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command, said that BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Davao del Sur left Puerto Princesa, Palawan, at about 9:00 a.m., marking the start of the drills.

Quiboloy still in the Philippines, says DOJ

Religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, who faces two cases of child abuse and qualified trafficking, is still in the Philippines, the Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano, said on Thursday.

Asked during a Palace briefing if the self-proclaimed son of God is still in the country, Clavano said: “We do have information that he is still within the country unless there are new developments from the country, but as far as our information is concerned at the DOJ, he is still currently in the country.”

DOJ: Gov’t officials who work with ICC may face punishment

Government officials who work with the International Criminal Court (ICC) could be punished under the law, said Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Asec. Mico Clavano on Thursday.

According to former Senator Antonio Trillanes III, the ICC has already spoken to 50 former and present Philippine National Police officers regarding their involvement in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

DOJ cites gains in operation vs Teves in Timor Leste

While the National Bureau Investigation (NBI) was unable to bring former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. back to the Philippines from East Timor, Department of Justice (DOJ) Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano still called their mission a success.

The DOJ is still awaiting the decision of Timor Leste courts on the Philippines’ request for extradition.

Arrest of ex-BuCor chief Bantag a matter of time, needs patience – DOJ

The Department ofJustice (DOJ) on Thursday asked for patience in the manhunt for former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief turned fugitive Gerald Bantag.

DOJ Spokesperson Mico Clavano, in a Palace briefing, said that authorities are still searching for Bantag, more than a year since the Philippine National Police declared him a fugitive. 

SWS: 46% of Filipino families felt poor in March 2024

The percentage of families in the country who considered themselves poor has decreased by one percent from December 2023, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said on Wednesday.

According to its latest survey conducted in March 2024, 46 percent of families said they were poor, 33 percent said they were on the borderline, and 23 percent said they were not poor.