PNP ramps up manhunt for Quiboloy coddlers, Roque

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has ramped up its operations against key figures linked to high-profile cases, targeting people who harbored Apollo Quiboloy as well as Harry Roque, who has gone into hiding after defying a summons from the House of Representatives. On Tuesday, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil announced the creation of specialized teams dedicated to these operations, emphasizing that they will be executed "efficiently and within the bounds of the law." Marbil said Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director Maj. Gen Leo Francisco has formed a special composite team composed of CIDG and Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) officials to build a comprehensive case against people who shielded Quiboloy. "We have mobilized a dedicated investigation team to pursue those who sheltered Quiboloy and obstructed justice. The PNP is fully committed to bringing these individuals to account and ensuring they face the full force of the law," Marbil said. Francisco said the special investigation team includes top investigators from the CIDG Major Crimes Investigation Unit, Legal Division, and representatives from the ACG. The team's primary tasks involve collating and verifying social media posts, publications and other relevant information about Quiboloy; validating and authenticating these materials through the ACG; gathering statements and affidavits from PNP personnel involved in executing the warrant against Quiboloy; securing testimonies from victims and complainants; and collecting documentary evidence from other agencies that may strengthen the case. "The team will coordinate closely with the Police Regional Office 11 and conduct a continuous, thorough investigation to ensure a solid case. This will involve meticulous analysis of digital evidence, testimonials, and documents. We will leave no stone unturned to bring justice to those who have enabled Quiboloy's evasion," Marbil said. Simultaneously, special tracker teams led by the CIDG have been mobilized to search for Roque after the House of Representatives ordered his detention for contempt. Marbil said these operations would be carried out with the highest level of professionalism and respect for due process. "We have officially received the request from the House of Representatives, and the PNP is fully committed to executing this order while adhering to our core mandate. Our fundamental duty is to respect the decisions of our democratic institutions and ensure human rights are protected throughout this process," Marbil said. Marbil added that both the composite team targeting Quiboloy's protectors and the tracker teams assigned to Roque are focused on ensuring justice is served, and the PNP will continue to provide timely updates on these operations as they progress. In March, the Senate cited the televangelist Quiboloy, the spiritual adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte, in contempt for repeatedly ignoring its subpoena and issued an arrest order. In April, a Davao court issued a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy and five others for violating the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. A Pasig court also issued arrest warrants in relation to human trafficking charges against him. Quiboloy eluded arrest until September, when he surrendered after more than 2,000 police personnel poured into the 30-hectare Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao. The PNP said it was coordinating with "relevant agencies" to find Roque. The contempt order was issued last Thursday to Roque by the House quad committee due to his refusal to submit the documents that were required by the panel, which included the deed of sale of a 1.8-hectare property in Parañaque, his income tax return, and statements of assets, liabilities and net worth from 2016 to 2022. The warrant was served to his Makati office on Friday, but authorities did not find him there or in his residence, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said. In a chance interview with reporters at the House of Representatives ahead of their budget defense at the Plenary, Marbil said all law enforcement agencies are helping the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation to find Roque, a former Duterte spokesman. Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos urged Roque to "follow the law" and surrender to authorities. Meanwhile, House quad committee overall chairman and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers called on Roque to "man up" and face the committee instead of posting his criticisms of the committee on social media. In his recent Facebook live broadcast, Roque said the committee is just "power tripping" and said Congress has no jurisdiction to investigate the lives of private individuals as they are only investigating Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs). He added that Congress exercised grave abuse of discretion in issuing an arrest order for him. Barbers offered this advice to Roque: "Disabuse yourself from believing that you are a central political figure." Barbers also said they have already sent a request to the Valenzuela City Regional Trial Court to allow dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo to attend the House quad committee hearing on Thursday. Also on Tuesday, Majority Leader Francis Tolentino reminded lawyers about the importance of adhering to the Code of Professional Responsibility, particularly when involved in Senate investigations. This reminder was issued during the hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality on Tuesday, where he reminded Elmer Galicia, the notary public for dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Leal Guo (Guo Hua Ping), that a lawyer must act truthfully and honestly when dealing with an investigating body such as the Senate committee and should not mislead the investigating officers. At the hearing, Guo admitted to signing an affidavit dated Aug. 14 during the first week of July or way before she fled the country. Senators said this showed that her lawyers knew of her plan to escape.