The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has maintained its stance on offering cash rewards and issuing arrest warrants for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, emphasizing that these measures are crucial for holding him accountable for the charges against him.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the DILG underscored its commitment to seeking justice, particularly for women and children. “We in the DILG will never allow injustices to happen within our midst nor will we allow our children to become unknowing preys to sexual predators. Let the truth come out and justice be served,” the statement read.
This statement followed a Senate investigation into the alleged use of excessive force during the issuance of arrest warrants at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao. During the hearing, KOJC Executive Secretary Eleanor Cardona questioned the legality of the P10-million reward offered for Quiboloy’s capture, arguing that it unfairly treated him worse than a convicted terrorist or killer despite his lack of conviction.
In response, Department of Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty clarified that the reward is legal under Philippine law, distinguishing between a “bounty” and a “reward.” He explained that a reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of an accused individual, while a bounty is for those who are already convicted or have outstanding warrants.
“Offering rewards to individuals who provide information leading to someone’s arrest is legal,” Ty stated. “It’s part of our job in the justice sector to implement criminal laws, which cannot be enforced if the accused cannot be found.”
The Senate hearing also saw a heated exchange between Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and Quiboloy’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon. The argument arose after Torreon criticized Abalos for quoting alleged victims’ statements verbatim, which Torreon deemed “unfair” and “improper.” Abalos firmly defended his right to present his speech as part of the Senate proceedings.