Makabayan urges accountability after Quiboloy’s arrest

Progressive parties and legislators long under fire by fugitive Apollo Quiboloy urged the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. government to ensure the accused rapist and smuggler is held accountable and not given preferential treatment.

In separate statements, Bayan Muna and other Makabayan coalition members ACT Teachers’ Party, Gabriela Women’s Party and Kabataan Youth Party welcomed Quiboloy’s arrest Sunday afternoon, September 8.

Bayan Muna executive vice president Karlos Zarate said justice must prevail, but cautioned that Quiboloy should not be used as a political trophy in the escalating feud between the Marcos and Duterte political dynasties.

Quiboloy is a known cohort of former president Rodrigo Duterte whose arrest is suspected by many as part of the Marcos administration’s ongoing tiff with its erstwhile allies.

The self-proclaimed “owner of the universe” endorsed the Marcos-Duterte “uniteam” in the 2022 presidential elections.

After receiving an ultimatum from the Philippine National Police (PNP) after a 15-day siege of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, Quiboloy reportedly “surrendered” to the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that sent a C130 military cargo plane to fetch the so-called pastor and several of his co-accused.

Quiboloy was taken to the PNP Custodial Center at Camp Crame Sunday night.

His lawyer claimed the KOJC leader”surrendered” because his “dislike for violence.”

‘Justice for the victims’

As critics of Duterte, Quiboloy used his media corporation Sonshine Media Network International to red-tag and continuously batter the Makabayan coalition.

ACT Rep. France Castro Calls called for Quiboloy’s prosecution both in the country and in the United States of America where he is also accused of grave crimes.

“The arrest of Apollo Quiboloy must lead to his full accountability before the law. The charges against him, both in the United States and the Philippines, are grave and demand thorough investigation and prosecution,” Castro said.

She added that his “number one protector” (Duterte) and all those who have enabled his evasion from justice,” should also be investigated.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas echoed Castro’s sentiment, saying the Marcos government must not only focus on Quiboloy but also investigate those who aided him during his time in hiding.

“This includes a thorough investigation into any possible involvement of individuals in positions of power who may have shielded him from accountability,” she said.

Brosas said the child abuse, sexual abuse and qualified trafficking charges against the self-styled “appointed son of god” has caused immeasurable harm to his victims, and he must be brought to justice without delay.

“Let this be a reminder to Quiboloy that he is not a God. Harapin niya ngayon ang taumbayan,” Brosas said. (He not must face the people.)

Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel also demanded justice for the reported victims of Quiboloy’s alleged criminal activities and an investigation on the protection provided him by the Duterte clan, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, and others.

Manuel said the people should be vigilant in ensuring accountability for the likes of Quiboloy.

“[W]ala pala sa ‘langit’ itong ‘Appointed Son of God,’” Manuel added. (This ‘appointed son of god’ is not in not in heaven after all.)

Former Bayan Muna and Gabriela Rep. Lisa Maza also urged for justice after Quiboloy’s arrest, “…para makakuha ng hustisya ang mga kababaihan at bata na kanyang naging biktima sa salang trafficking at pang-aabuso.” (For his women and children victims to receive justice for his trafficking and abuse crimes.)

The Makabayan candidate for Senate also called for an investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s efforts to mislead authorities about Quiboloy’s whereabouts.

The vice president said in an earlier interview that Quiboloy may no longer be in Davao City.

“Imbestigahan din si dating Presidente Duterte sa pag-aming alam niya kung nasaan ang puganteng si Quiboloy pero di nakipagtulungan sa pulisya para mahuli ito,” Maza said. (Also investigate former President Duterte for admitting knowing where the fugitive Quiboloy was but refusing to cooperate with the police for his capture.)

‘Investigate the siege’

Meanwhile, Zarate  expressed grave concern over the “alleged excessive force, reported abuses and overreach” by the police during the implementation of Quiboloy’s arrest warrant, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.

KOJC members have accused the police and the Marcos government of using excessive force in serving the arrest warrant, involving repeated deployment of battalions of police personnel, the last siege lasting more than two weeks.

“The police’s excessive force and overreach in the supposed implementation of the arrest warrant should be investigated as it can be used as a dangerous precedent against perceived critics of the present administration,” Zarate said. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)