Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will investigate a possible protection of wanted religious leader Apollo Quiboloy which is tantamount to obstruction of justice.
The issue stemmed from a video in which former President Rodrigo Duterte claimed he knows where his spiritual adviser is, but added he would not disclose it.
PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo said the investigation will look into the context of Duterte’s remarks.
“Kailangan natin makausap kung sino ‘yung kausap niya during that time. Ito ba ay sinabi niya just to tease ‘yung mga kaharap niya o it’s just a joke lang po? So, kailangan nating makuha po natin ang buong konteksto ng kanilang pag-uusap because obviously, ang isang tao na alam na ang kinaroroonan ng isang wanted person may be held liable for obstruction of justice,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Tuesday, July 2.
[Translation: We need to know who he was talking to at the time. Did he say it to tease those in front of him or was he joking? We need to get the whole context because a person who knows the whereabouts of a wanted person may be held liable for obstruction of justice.]
The PNP reiterated its appeal to the public to cooperate with authorities on information on the possible whereabouts of Quiboloy and his co-accused.
“So, kung sino man po ang nakakaalam ng kanilang kinaroroonan o kung sino man po ‘yung nagkakandong na maaaring kanilang pinagtataguan ay nire-remind po natin at paalala na maaaring may kaharapin po silang karampatang kaso,” Fajardo said.
[Translation: So, whoever knows where Quiboloy is or whoever is coddling him, we remind you that you may face charges.]
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader is facing criminal charges for alleged sexual and child abuse.
