Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has called on Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to surrender to authorities to help restore normalcy in the lives of his followers.
In a radio interview, Dela Rosa said, "I would also like to urge Quiboloy to surrender so that peace would return in the KOJC compound in Davao and for the lives of its people to go back to normal." He added, "If only we could encourage him to surrender, but at the end of the day, it's his call."
Quiboloy's legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, reiterated on Friday that Quiboloy's surrender is contingent upon a written assurance from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. that he would not be extradited to the United States, where he faces allegations of sex trafficking and other charges. In the Philippines, Quiboloy also faces charges under Republic Act 7610 for child abuse and exploitation, and a non-bailable human trafficking charge under Republic Act No. 9208.
Dela Rosa said he does not view Quiboloy's request as a "demand," but rather a potential starting point for negotiations concerning his surrender. "No wanted person can demand from authorities. Unless he is holding someone hostage," Dela Rosa explained.
DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez clarified that no government official can guarantee against extradition, emphasizing that international treaties, once ratified by the Senate, become law. "No one in government can give that guarantee, strictly speaking," Vasquez stated.
Despite this, Torreon argued that the President could still offer protection to citizens through a written declaration, ensuring they are not forcibly sent to foreign countries without proper legal procedures.
Dela Rosa also expressed doubts about Quiboloy's presence at the KOJC compound, stating he is "losing hope" since the police have been unable to locate him despite days of searching. Earlier, Dela Rosa had called for the withdrawal of police forces from the KOJC compound, citing concerns over the impact on the religious and academic rights of its members.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) continued to maintain a presence at the compound in Davao City, persisting with their search operations despite adverse weather conditions. This marks the eighth day of their efforts to serve the arrest warrant against Quiboloy.
Torreon confirmed that the KOJC Board of Administrators has consistently reported Quiboloy's absence from the compound and that he has not seen the pastor since March when he was last spotted leaving the premises.
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