Hontiveros urges DFA to cancel Quiboloy's passport

MANILA – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passport of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJOC) leader Apollo Quiboloy following the latter's repeated failure to appear before the Senate or Philippine courts.

"Imbes na magpakita sa Senado o sa mga korte, panay record ng audio message na tila nang-iinsulto pa sa kakayanan ng gobyerno na matunton siya," Hontiveros said in a statement.

"This is appalling. This should not be allowed to pass, but only challenge government more to exhaust all means to restrict his movements."

DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza earlier explained that a canceled passport serves as a warning for any passport applications at DFA consular offices worldwide and is reported to relevant authorities, including Interpol.

Hontiveros expressed optimism that other countries were ready to collaborate with the Philippines to hold Quiboloy accountable.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) revoked the firearms registration and license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) of the fugitive religious leader.

Quiboloy is facing sexual and child abuse charges in Davao City while a non-bailable qualified human trafficking case was lodged against him in Pasig City.

The KOJC leader was also indicted in the United States in November 2021 for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children and is currently on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's wanted list. (PNA)