Apollo Quiboloy. (INQUIRER file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the accurate number of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy’s firearms.
Speaking at the Senate panel on women’s hearing on Thursday, Hontiveros mentioned in passing her previous appeal for a “shorter deadline” for Quiboloy to surrender his guns.
The opposition senator then noted the need to ensure that these weapons are only 19 — as previously disclosed by the PNP.
READ: Quiboloy not ‘armed and dangerous’ even with 19 guns – PNP
“Ulitin ko lang po ang hiling ko kina chief PNP [ Police Major General Francisco Marbil at] sa inyo pong lahat — na baka [pwedeng] hindi umabot sa anim na buwan yung period na makuha yung mga ‘yun at matiyak na 19 lang ba talaga,” said Hontiveros.
(I will repeat my appeal to PNP chief Police Major General Marbil and to all of you – maybe it is possible for us not to hit the period of six months to get all of these guns and to ensure that these are only 19.)
Kasi kahit sa social media posts ng mala-private army nya ay parang mas marami pa sa 19,” the senator observed.
(Because in social media, the guns shown by Quiboloy’s so-called private army seem to exceed 19.)
“I hope that our processes dito man sa Senate, sa mga korte natin, or baka pa sa ibang bansa will not take half a year so. Sana sumabay o mauna pa ang aksyon ng ating pambansang kapulisan,” she added.
(I hope that our processes here in the Senate, in our courts, or even in another country will not take half a year. I wish our PNP’s action goes along with it or even goes ahead.)
READ: Hontiveros presses PNP to get Quiboloy’s guns: ‘Why so slow?’
Despite possession of several firearms, PNP previously dismissed allegations that Quiboloy is armed and dangerous.
Meanwhile, Davao and Pasig courts have separately issued arrest orders against Quiboloy for sexual abuse and human trafficking charges.
Apart from these orders, a warrant of arrest issued by the Senate panel on women headed by Hontiveros is also going after the controversial sect leader.