The Philippine National Police (PNP) is getting ready to file obstruction of justice cases against individuals believed to have coddled preacher and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy, leading to an extended manhunt and delaying his arrest.
PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said that an investigation is underway to identify all those who helped the religious leader evade capture for over two weeks when he was inside the 30-hectare Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound all along.
He noted that investigators are currently looking into Quiboloy’s “close associates, including legal representatives who actively misled authorities regarding his exact whereabouts.”
Police Major General Leo Francisco, who heads the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), has been tasked to lead the probe.
“We will not tolerate any form of obstruction to justice. Our investigation aims to identify those who knowingly provided refuge to Quiboloy, and we will ensure they face appropriate legal consequences,” the country’s top cop said in a statement.
Quiboloy is accused of sexually abusing women and children as well as trafficking in persons, both in the Philippines and the United States.
The KOJC founder pled “not guilty” to the charges when presented before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court 159 on Friday.
“Obstruction of justice is a serious offense, and those who aided in shielding Quiboloy from law enforcement will be charged accordingly. The law is clear—no one is above it, and those who helped Quiboloy will be held accountable,” said Marbil.
While the PNP chief refused to identify the persons they are currently investigating, several lawmakers have asked that former president Rodrigo Duterte, who was designated caretaker of KOJC properties, be made accountable for his role in allegedly coddling Quiboloy.
Last week, the PNP disclosed that five additional individuals recently surfaced to accuse the preacher of sexual abuse, and at least two of them are willing to testify in court about their ordeal.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “PNP to file cases versus individuals who aided Quiboloy in hiding”
