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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has welcomed the arrest of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who had been hiding for months, as it committed to follow due process in the religious leader’s prosecution.
DOJ chief Jesus Crispin Remulla issued the statement on Sunday night after Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced the fugitive’s arrest. Quiboloy was wanted for child sexual abuse and human trafficking cases.
READ: Quiboloy, 4 others surrendered after PNP’s 24-hour ultimatum
“This apprehension is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of our State forces in the performance of their duties, you have always been our devoted partner in upholding the rule of law since day one,” Remulla said.
READ: Apollo Quiboloy has been arrested – DILG chief Abalos
“It is also worth mentioning that the road to this apprehension was never an easy task from the get-go considering the overwhelming support, influence, wealth, and power of Quiboloy. State forces were pushed to their limits yet they never deviated within the bounds of law and maintained legality in their every move until this whole hide-and-seek game with Quiboloy has come to an end,” he added.
Remulla likewise said they will “follow due process in prosecuting Quiboloy so his conditions for his detention will no longer be relevant.”
He pointed out that his agency recognizes the country’s extradition treaty with the United States where Quiboloy is also wanted and is facing a string of cases.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Quiboloy and four other personalities surrendered to authorities after it imposed a 24-hour ultimatum.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said Quiboloy, along with Jackielyn Roy, Ingrid Canada, Cresente Canada, and Sylvia Cements, were arrested inside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City.
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.