Senator Risa Hontiveros (PNA file photo by Avito Dalan)
MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to revoke the firearms license of Kingdom of Jesus Christ pastor Apollo Quiboloy amid circulating photos and videos of the alleged training of his private army.
In a statement, Hontiveros noted that despite Quiboloy registering 19 firearms, the PNP initially hesitated to label him "armed and dangerous" due to lack of previous violence or private armed group records.
“Quiboloy is armed and dangerous. Buhay na buhay ang mga armadong sundalo niya na handang magpakamatay para sa kanya (His armed soldiers are active and ready to die for him). The PNP should confiscate these firearms at once,” Hontiveros said.
She also reiterated the urgency of apprehending Quiboloy, who has two warrants of arrest, and expressed concern about the threat he and his private army pose to national peace and order.
“I urge the new PNP chief, Gen. Rommel Marbil, to step up. There could be a failure of intelligence if it takes this long to locate Quiboloy’s whereabouts. Along with his private army, he is a threat to peace and order in the country,” Hontiveros said.
Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla said in a press briefing that canceling Quiboloy's firearms license should undergo “due process.”
Nevertheless, he urged his "friend" and "compatriot" to show up and deal with his court cases.
Padilla said he is praying that Quiboloy will surrender to authorities “safely and peacefully.”
Under study
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said they are studying the lawmaker’s call.
Fajado said Quiboloy’s license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) falls under Category 5, which allows him to have more than 15 firearms.
“The FEO (Firearms and Explosives Office) is studying whether the qualified human trafficking and child sexual abuse charges filed against him are enough grounds to revoke his LTOPF, as well as his firearms registration. But we have to understand that we have to also consider what are the requirements and areas of consideration in terms of the provisions of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), particularly the reasons for the cancellation of a gun’s license and registration,” she added.
Fajardo said the FEO is also looking into allegations that the embattled preacher is maintaining a private armed group. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
