Atty. Ferdinand Topacio at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay, May 31, 2023 | PHOTO; INQUIRER.net / Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines – Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, on Sunday disputed the claim of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos that the religious leader was arrested, when in fact he turned himself in.
Topacio said Quiboloy voluntarily surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), contrary to what has been posted by Abalos on social media during the time the pastor was already in the custody of authorities.
Topacio issued his statement after Abalos announced the arrest of Quiboloy on Sunday evening.
READ: Apollo Quiboloy has been arrested – DILG chief Abalos
The religious leader’s lawyer likewise called Abalos “epal” (Filipino slang for attention grabber) for allegedly “taking credit” for what he called a “non-existent arrest.”
“Based on reliable information, our client, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, voluntarily surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces, or ISAFP,” Topacio said.
“He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government]. Therefore, it is epal to the highest level for Sec. Abalos to be seemingly taking credit for the non-existent arrest,” he added.
“As usual, Pastor Quiboloy’s legal team shall continue to protect his rights under the Constitution and the laws as we prepare for his defense,” the lawyer concluded.
When asked about this, AFP spokespersos Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said they “defer to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide details on the situation.”
“The AFP has been in full support of the PNP from the onset of the operation related to the case of Mr. Apollo Quiboloy. Our role in this matter has been purely in support of the PNP’s efforts in serving the warrant,” Padilla’s statement read.
“As this is primarily a police operation, we defer to the PNP to provide the details and updates on the situation. The AFP remains committed to assisting our law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order whenever necessary,” she added.
INQUIRER.net tried getting more details from Abalos but he has yet to reply as of posting time.
Earlier Sunday, Police Regional Office 11 chief Brig. General Nicolas Torre III said a plane arrived in Davao City, but he clarified that he was unsure whether it was used to fetch the fugitive.
He added that they were ordered to release nine vehicles from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound after the plane arrived.
Last April 3, a Davao Regional Trial Court issued arrest orders against Quiboloy and his five subordinates. They are facing charges of violating Republic Act 7610, or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment.
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, on April 11.