Senate issues arrest order vs. Quiboloy

MANILA – The Senate's Office of Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) was given the green light to arrest Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri signed the order on Tuesday.

This is due to Quiboloy's continued refusal to appear before the inquiry of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality chaired by Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros into reported human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse and violence, and child abuse in KOJC.

"The Sergeant-at-Arms is hereby directed to carry out and implement this Order and make return hereof within 24 hours from its enforcement," the order said.

"Upon the motion of the undersigned Chairperson, and seconded by Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, during the March 5, 2024 hearing, hereby cites Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy in contempt of the Committee, and of the Senate, and ordered arrested and detained at the Office of Sergeant-at-Arms until such time that he will appear and testify in the Committee, or otherwise purges himself of that contempt."

In a press briefing on Monday, Hontiveros expressed her confidence that the OSAA, as the front-line security of the Senate, could execute the order after having served Quiboloy's subpoena in Davao City.

She also noted that the OSAA could ask for assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP), if necessary.

With the order already in effect, the lawmaker expects Quiboloy to appear before the panel's next public hearing, along with the presence of witnesses with sworn statements and representatives of the Anti-Money Laundering Council. (PNA)