PNP assures Quiboloy’s safety, security

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo  (INQUIRER.net file photo /Faith Argosino)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has assured religious leader and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy of safety and security should he decide to surrender.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP is ready to assist Quiboloy as she renewed her appeal to the religious leader to face the cases against him.  

“We want to assure Pastor Quiboloy, his supporters, and lawyers that we will protect him should he decide to surrender and submit himself to the jurisdiction of the court,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Monday.

Similar to their statement last February, the PNP spokesperson likewise reiterated that they have not received any information indicating threats to the life of Quiboloy.

In the same month, Quiboloy claimed a plot to have him killed — a reason he cited for refusing to face the Senate investigation into his alleged crimes against women and children.

“Wala po tayong alam sa sinasabi ni Pastor Quiboloy at kanyang kasamahan na meron pong plano ang gobyerno ang US at Pilipinas na siya ay saktan or gamitan ng dahas,” Fajardo stressed during the same media briefing.

(We don’t know Quiboloy, and his supporters claim that our government and the US government are planning to hurt him.)

Last April 3, a Davao court issued arrest orders against Quiboloy and his subordinates, namely Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Sylvia Camanes, Jackiely W. Roy, and Ingrid C. Canada, who are facing charges of violating Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment.

Days later, his five co-accused surrendered before Davao authorities and were granted temporary freedom after posting P80,000 bail each.

In January 2022, Quiboloy was officially declared as one of the most wanted suspected sex traffickers by the United States.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation published a wanted poster seeking information leading to his arrest for “conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; bulk cash smuggling.”