DILG stands firm on Quiboloy arrest warrant with P10-M bounty

FILE PHOTO Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos speaks before the 33rd Session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ33) in Vienna, Austria. Photo courtesy of the Office of Secretary Benhur Abalos

MANILA, Philippines — The P10-million reward and the enforcement of arrest warrants against fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy are necessary to compel the religious leader to face the accusations against him, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The department reiterated this in a statement issued Wednesday after Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon and Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. had a heated argument during a Senate hearing, where the former insisted that it is illegal for a public official to accept or solicit money.

READ: Quiboloy lawyer questions Abalos about P10-M bounty at Senate hearing

“The DILG continues with its advocacy and commitment to uphold justice and protect the rights of women and children, ensuring that the vulnerable are defended and justice is served,” the DILG said.

“We, therefore, stand firm that the enforcement of warrants of arrest and the private sector’s offer of P10M cash reward is necessary to compel accused Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to face the serious charges of sexual abuse and exploitation of minors,” it added.

The DILG also vowed to disallow injustices to occur within its midst.

“We allow our children to become unknowing prey to sexual predators. Let the truth come out and justice be served,” it said.

Last month, Abalos announced that a P10 million reward awaits anyone who will provide credible information that would lead to the arrest of Quiboloy.

READ: P10 million reward offered for the arrest of fugitive Apollo Quiboloy

He also revealed a P1 million reward each for information leading to the arrest of Quiboloy’s subordinates Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Camañes, and Jackielyn Roy.

Last April 3, a Davao Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Quiboloy and his five subordinates. They are facing charges of violating the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment.

On the same day, Cresente and Pauline Canada, and Camañes turned themselves in and posted P80,000 bail each.

Meanwhile, Ingrid Canada and Jacklyn Roy surrendered to authorities and posted bail on April 4.

Days later 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 nonbailable offense.