House Committee on Public Order and Safety and Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez on Monday advised Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s camp to be more self-aware and cautious of its statements moving forward.
“Saan ka nakakita ng kaso na kung saan nahuli na ‘yung suspect, entitled pa ‘yung abogado niya na tawaging epal ‘yung may kustodiya ng kliyente niya? (Where have you found a case where the suspect has been caught, but the lawyer is the one entitled and calling those who have their client in custody as seeking attention?)” Fernandez asked, referring to Quiboloy’s legal counsel lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.
“Pastor Quiboloy fell in the hands of authorities. He is facing charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking. He hid like a scared rat inside his compound. Those facts are beyond question,” Fernandez said.
On Sunday night, Topacio claimed in a statement that the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) had no hand in capturing his client.
“He was not arrested, especially not by the (PNP) under the DILG. Therefore, it is epal to the highest level for Sec. Abalos to be seemingly taking credit for the non-existent arrest,” Topacio said.
According to Fernandez, the situation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City could have deteriorated and led to more violence if not for the calculated efforts of the DILG and PNP.
“It would be in Quiboloy’s best interest if his brilliant lawyer is now thinking of his defense rather than another petty potshot at the authorities who have control,” Fernandez said.*
