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Ex-PNP brass may have been involved in Alice Guo’s escape
By J.Lo
“It was mentioned, former chief PNP,” Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) Senior Vice President for Security and Monitoring Cluster Raul Villanueva emphasized information was still being verified, unnamed former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief may have been involved in escape of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, according to intelligence from Pagcor executive.
During Tuesday’s Senate probe on Guo’s alleged ties to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Villanueva said there were whispers of “payola” from Guo.
Villanueva, retired PNP general, said there were also personalities involved with Guo’s escape.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, asked Villanueva who these were.
PNP Deputy Director for Administration Police Brig. Gen. Raul Tacaca, represented police force, said that they have no information on this yet.
Hontiveros described revelation as big news.
“No less than former chief PNP is implicated in escape of Guo Hua Ping,” she said.
Hontiveros added that this suggests POGO money may have reached highest levels of country’s leadership.
“Next president, next senators, next local government leaders could be bankrolled by POGO money,” Hontiveros said.
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, former PNP chief himself, expressed concern about accusation.
“There is allegedly chief PNP receiving monthly payroll from you…can we know who this former chief PNP? I am concerned, because I am former chief PNP!” Dela Rosa said.
The senator said there might be colorful script coming out later, stating that he accepted money from Guo.
Guo denied knowing Dela Rosa and said she had only seen him at Senate.
“Kahit selfie…may selfie ka sa’kin?” Dela Rosa asked. .
“Wala po,” Guo said. (Nothing.)
Guo has appeared in several controversial selfies, including one with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his campaign. More recently, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos and PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil drew ire of netizens after being seen smiling in photo with Guo.
“I’m sure you’re not the one,” Villanueva said, referring to Dela Rosa.
Guo’s second appearance at Senate ever since being apprehended by Indonesian authorities in September.
Guo fled the country after authorities began cracking down on her alleged criminal activities as Senate hearing shed more light pointing to anomalies. Former Bamban mayor faces charges that range from human trafficking, money laundering and misrepresentation.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8, 2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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An-Waray lost its party-list registration
By Nidz Godino
“Clearly, both Constitution and statute Republic Act No. 7941 categorically vest in Comelec power and authority to decide on matters relating to organization’s participation in party-list system from grant or denial of its petition for registration as party, organization or coalition to participate in party-list elections, to cancellation of previously granted registration,” high court’s decision read party-list group with seat in House of Representatives (HoR) has lost its party-list registration.
In decision promulgated on August 6 but was only released on Monday, September 16, Supreme Court upheld Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution canceling registration of An-Waray party-list, group based in Samar, Leyte and Biliran.
Affirming poll body’s resolution, high court said Comelec did not commit grave abuse of discretion when it canceled party list’s registration, citing Republic Act (RA) 7491 or Party List System Act.
According to Supreme Court, party list violated Section 6 (5) of RA 7491. Under provision, violation of election laws or its rules is ground for cancellation of party-list’s registration.
During 2013 elections, An-Waray should only have one seat in HoR. However, due to some circumstances, its seats increased to two, allowing its second nominee to secure seat.
An-Waray was among 14 party-list groups initially declared winners, garnering 541,205 votes.
National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) then cancelled registration of certain party-list groups, leading to reallocation of seats and increasing An-Waray’s representation to two seats.
Resolution included condition adjustments could be made based on future proclamations of other party-list groups.
Subsequently, NBOC issued Certificate of Proclamation to An Waray, allowing its first nominee, Neil Montejo, to assume seat in HoR for 16th Congress.
Montejo took his oath on June 26, 2013, while An Waray’s second nominee, Victoria Isabel Noel, took her oath on July 13, 2013, based on vote tally in NBOC resolution.
On Oct. 22, 2013, Supreme Court reversed Comelec’s cancellation of Abang Lingkod’s party-list registration, ordering party’s proclamation as one of the winners in 2013 elections.
Following this, on Aug, 20, 2014, Comelec issued new NBOC resolution finalizing party-list seat distributions based on Supreme Court’s computation.
In this resolution, An-Waray was allocated only one guaranteed seat.
Jude Acidre, second nominee of Tingog Party List, and Danilo Pornias Jr. filed petition for cancellation of An-Waray’s registration due to election violations under Section 6 (5) of RA 7491.
In response, An-Waray argued that since Noel assumed party’s second seat in 2013, no objections had been raised regarding her position.
They emphasized second nominee was able to fully carry out her responsibilities as party list’s representative without interruption, as per NBOC Resolution remains in effect and has not been revoked or amended by Comelec.
An-Waray emphasized that Noel fully carried out her responsibilities as party list’s representative without interruption, as per NBOC Resolution, had not been revoked or amended by Comelec.
They contended that petition lacked any legal grounds to suggest that An Waray or Noel violated election laws.
Comelec Second Division granted Acidre and Pornias’s petition on June 2, 2023. This decision was affirmed by Comelec’s en banc on Aug. 14, 2023.
This prompted An-Waray to file petition before Supreme Court, arguing that Comelec lacked jurisdiction and that House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) should handle the case.
Supreme Court denied petition of An-Waray, saying that Comelec has “exclusive jurisdiction” over party-list registration cancellations.
High court explained HRET only handles cases involving election, returns and qualifications of sitting members of HoR.
To figure out whether HRET should take over case, Supreme Court explained it uses two-step process: first, determining if case deals with election disputes or qualifications of respondent, and second, if respondent is already Member of House.
In An-Waray’s case, court decided that it did not fall under HRET’s jurisdiction, as party list itself is not considered “member” of House only its nominees are, and they must meet qualifications avoid disqualifications.
In relation to sitting members of House, Supreme Court explained issue is not about proclamation of Noel but rather about party list’s registration, which is why it does not fall under jurisdiction of HRET.
“Despite notice of such resolution indicating that it secured only one seat in HoR after 2013 NLE, An Waray continued to occupy second seat through Victoria until the end of her term. This was clear defiance of NBOC Resolution No. 13-030 (PL)/0004-14 in relation to Section 6(5) of Republic Act No. 7941,” the court’s decision read.
In the case of An-Waray, Supreme Court explained petitions to disqualify or cancel Certificate of Candidacy of winning candidate for HoR must be resolved within about four months.
After this period, jurisdiction over the case shifts to HRET.
Once HRET’s authority takes effect, neither Comelec nor Supreme Court can continue handling the case, even if electoral tribunal has not yet received actual complaint.
“In other words, Comelec or court on review is without discretion but to dismiss case pending before it if HRET’s jurisdiction has already attached because respondent candidate has already become Member of HoR,” court’s decision read.
High court further explained that for cases involving sitting members of House, key issue is whether matter falls under HRET’s jurisdiction. If it does, Comelec or court must dismiss the case, as they no longer have authority to decide.
On Tuesday, September 17, Akbayan party-list has called on Comelec to proclaim them winner of 2022 elections, following cancellation of An-Waray’s party list registration.
According to Akbayan, poll body has no legal obstacles to proclaiming them as winner of the seat.
“Next logical and legal step is for Comelec to proclaim Akbayan as rightful holder of last available seat,” Akbayan’s statement read.
However, Comelec Chairman George Garcia clarified cancellation of party list’s registration does not automatically remove its seat in Congress.
“It is subject to wisdom of Congress as it is membership issue…removal and acceptance of members is call of Congress,” poll body chief explained .
During 2022 elections, Akbayan placed 57th, just one spot shy of 56 party-list groups that were proclaimed winners. Party -list fell short of around 2,000 votes to secure last seat.
This was Akbayan’s second consecutive defeat since 2019 elections. Before 2019, Akbayan had consistently secured spot in party-list seats since joining congressional polls in 1998.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8, 2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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Face complaints over alleged fake counter-affidavit — DOJ
By Nidz Godino
“This is really about counter-affidavit, not just notarization…these lawyers, counter-affidavit came from them…they were ones who attached it to motion to admit, and they were ones who made it part of record at DOJ,” Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty said lawyers of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo could face complaints for their role in submitting alleged fake counter-affidavit in her trafficking case.
This was revealed by Ty when he was asked about validity of dismissed mayor’s documents, issue also raised during Senate investigations.
“They even benefited from it, especially since this counter-affidavit delayed case…for us, there’s no doubt counter-affidavit is fake, and such actions by lawyers should not be emulated….this could set bad example for other lawyers, making them disregard our legal proceedings here,” he stressed.
Ty said they are investigating Elmer Galicia, lawyer who notarized Guo’s affidavit despite dismissed mayor not personally appearing before him.
According to jurisprudence, “notary public should not notarize document unless persons who signed same are the very persons who executed it and personally appeared before him to attest to contents and truth of what is stated therein.”
Justice department is still building its case, Ty said.
He added potential cases could include criminal charges, which may be addressed by prosecutors, or administrative cases, could be filed with Integrated Bar of the Philippines or Supreme Court.
Lawyer suspended for notarizing document while signatory was abroadThe Supreme Court suspended lawyer Lorenzo Reago from the practice of law for two years and was also prohibited …
mulgated in November last year, said lawyers who violate Rules of Notarial Practice breach Canon II of Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, emphasizes propriety of members of Philippine Bar.
In related case, lawyer notarized transfer certificate of title despite owner being out of the country.
High court imposed one-year suspension from practice of law on lawyer and also prohibited him from being commissioned as notary public for two years.
High court stressed that notary public should never notarize document unless person who signed it is same person who appeared before them to affirm document’s contents.
High court stressed that notary public should never notarize document unless individual who signed it is the same person who appeared before them to affirm contents of the document.
“Notaries public are enjoined to observe with utmost care basic requirements in performance of their duties; otherwise, confidence of public in integrity of this form of conveyance would be undermined,” Supreme Court’s decision read.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
Partylist must file Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance
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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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Estrada hit Cassandra Ong’s questionable birth certificate as well
By Nidz Godino,
“My mother is Li Xia Ying, and my father, I think, is Richard,” Cassandra Ong replied when Estrada asked her about her parents.
Is Cassandra Ong’s birth certificate another case of questionable documentation similar to that of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo? Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday, September 17, said there is reason to believe so.
Ong made her first appearance at Senate since being apprehended by Indonesian authorities. Ong is incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., company leased land to raided Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.
Estrada questioned Ong about conditions of her birth. The 24-year old said she was born on May 23, 2000 in San Juan City.
Asked why she was not sure of her father’s identity, Ong explained that she did not grow up with him. Ying is Chinese national, while her father was of Chinese descent but naturalized Filipino.
She also said that she was not born in a hospital but delivered by midwife in San Juan City. After she was born, Ong said she was taken to Chinese General Hospital in Manila.
Estrada, former mayor of San Juan City, said it did not make sense to be taken to Manila as it was too far.
Based on Ong’s birth certificate, she was born in San Juan City and delivered by midwife named Rosario Mendez. Birth certificate listed address of her birth as P. Mendoza Street.
“I’d like to point out, Madame Chair, place of birth indicated in certificate of live birth, is 345 P. Mendoza Street… no such address or house number in San Juan,” Estrada said.
There is no record of a marriage certificate between Ong’s parents, despite her birth certificate indicating they were married.
Estrada called these findings “questionable.”
“This is another case of questionable birth certificate issued through late registration and there is no basis for issuance of Cassie Ong’s birth certificate… should be investigated,” Estrada said.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Philippine Statistics Authority should look into these irregularities.
To recall, Guo, who also claimed to be born at home, faced similar issues with her birth certificate, which was issued late. She was later identified as Guo Hua Ping after National Bureau of Investigation matched her fingerprints to Chinese national.
Topic of issuance of late birth certificates has been discussed in POGO hearings, as lawmakers pointed out that there could be syndicates who abuse the mechanisms.
In Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur alone, at least 1,200 foreigners were issued a birth certificate through late birth registration. Many of them were believed to be Chinese nationals.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Marriages solemnized by Alice Guo valid
By J.Lo
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty on Tuesday, September 17, said marriages officiated by dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo are still valid, citing doctrine of operative fact.
Doctrine of operative fact means that even if law is declared invalid, effects it had while it was in force still remain.
Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra agrees with Justice department’s view that marriages solemnized by Guo will remain valid, despite her holding mayoral position unlawfully.
Guevarra also emphasized that only court can make final determination of marriage’s validity if it is challenged.
Under Family Code, one of the requisites for valid marriage is authority of the solemnizing officer.
If authority is lacking, as noted in Article 4 of Family Code, marriage could be rendered void.
However, its validity can only be determined by court.
Art. 4. absence of any of the essential or formal requisites shall render marriage void ab initio, except as stated in Article 35 (2).
Defect in any of the essential requisites shall not affect validity of marriage but party or parties responsible for irregularity shall be civilly, criminally and administratively liable.
Guo has been dismissed by Office of the Ombudsman due to her alleged involvement in unlawful activities related to Philippine offshore gaming operators.
Quo warranto petition challenging validity of her mayoralty has been filed in Manila court.
If successful, this petition could prevent her from holding any future government positions.
Marriages can be solemnized not only by priests or religious leaders but also by qualified government officials.
As former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, Guo had authority to officiate marriages.
This power is vested in mayors and vice mayors, including those acting as mayors, by Local Government Code, stipulates that they have authority to solemnize marriages within their jurisdictions.
According to Section 7 of Family Code, following individuals are authorized to solemnize marriages:
(1) Any incumbent member of judiciary within the court’s jurisdiction; (2) Any priest, rabbi, imam, or minister of any church or religious sect duly authorized by his church or religious sect and registered with civil registrar general, acting within limits of the written authority granted by his church or religious sect and provided that at least one of the contracting parties belongs to the solemnizing officer’s church or religious sect; (3) Any ship captain or airplane chief only in the case mentioned in Article 31; (4) Any military commander of a unit to which a chaplain is assigned, in the absence of the latter, during a military operation, likewise only in the cases mentioned in Article 32;
(5) Any consul-general, consul or vice-consul in the case provided in Article 10.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Voter reactivation until extends September 25
By Nidz Godino
“Due to significant number of deactivated Filipino voters who are yet to apply for reactivation, Comelec en banc resolved to extend it in order to allow more Filipinos to conveniently reactivate their voter registration record without hassle of physically going to local Comelec office,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended deadline for delisted voters to file their online applications for voter status reactivation until September 25.
Poll body announced deadline extension Monday night, September 16. Original deadline was set on September 7.
There are currently over 5.3 million deactivated voters for 2025 midterm elections, based on Comelec data as of September 11.
Poll body said most voters were deactivated after failing to vote in the last two elections. Other reasons for deactivation are voters’ loss of Filipino citizenship and revocation through court decisions.
According to poll body, deactivated voters can file application for reactivation online as long as they have complete biometrics in local Comelec office where they are registered.
Comelec received over 500,000 applications for reactivation from February 12 to September 11.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Timor-Leste court ruled in favor of Teves’ extradition
By Nidz Godino
“This is clear afterthought, raised only after proceedings had concluded unfavorably for him. In Philippine law, such move would be barred under principle of estoppel, prevents party from challenging procedural issues if they actively participated in the process and failed to raise objections earlier,” Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified extradition of expelled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. to the Philippines is still pending despite recent reports suggesting nullification of extradition order.
In statement, DOJ said Teves’ legal team is challenging ruling on procedural grounds, specifically questioning number of judges involved in the decision.
Justice department noted that Teves and his counsel were given opportunity to participate fully in proceedings, present their case and were provided due process. Their objections only emerged after unfavorable outcome was reached.
“Legal merits are clear, and we expect Mr. Teves will face justice in the Philippines soon, given strong evidence against him in connection with multiple serious charges, including murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo,” it added.
Clarification followed reports from Teves’ lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, who claimed Timor-Leste court had nullified extradition order, citing “violation of principle of full assistance of judges.”
In June, Timor-Leste’s appellate court had granted Philippine government’s request to extradite Teves, who was arrested in Dili in March following Interpol red notice.
Upon his return, Teves will face charges lodged against him in Philippine courts for the first time.
He is facing several criminal cases, including one related to killing of former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in March 2023.
In August 2023, Anti-Terrorism Council also designated Teves terrorist, accusing him of leading armed group responsible for orchestrating killings and harassment in Negros Oriental.
Expelled lawmaker is also charged with financing terrorism under Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012, as well as related provisions under Anti-Terrorism Law.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Lawyer suspended 2 yrs for notarizing document while signatory was absent
By J.Lo
“In this case, Atty. Reago ‘s act of notarizing SPA even if signatory did not personally appear before him to affix her signature and acknowledge same clearly falls short of yardstick of accuracy and fidelity required of notaries public,“ Supreme Court on Monday, September 16 suspended lawyer after he forged his client’s signature and notarized special power or attorney despite his client being out of the country.
This resulted in lawyer, Lorenzo Reago, being suspended from practice of law for two years and also prohibited from being commissioned as notary public for two years.
He is also directed by high court to file manifestation before Supreme Court to indicate that his suspension has started.
Complainant Maria Brozas-Garri accused Reago of failing to return her copy of Transfer Certificate of Title which he borrowed, despite repeated requests.
She also claimed that lawyer Reago prepared Special Power of Attorney (SPA) allowing his wife to lease out her house and lot and he notarized document even though her signature was forged, as she was out of the country at the time.
Additionally, complainant accused Reago of neglecting to file important legal paperwork and failing to provide updates in case where he was representing her and other plaintiffs.
In his defense, Reago asserted that he already returned Transfer Certificate Title to Brozas-Garri through her sister in 2016, with proof of receipt.
Reago claimed Special Power of Attorney was created with her full knowledge and that she agreed to lease and even received rental payments.
Case was referred to Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for further investigation and recommendations.
IBP then recommended Reago should be administratively liable for violating Canon 1 of old Code of Professional Responsibility (CPR) and 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
IBP Board further noted that Reago aggravated his violation by knowingly preparing and notarizing document with forged signature while Brozas-Garri was abroad.
Reago then filed motion for reconsideration but was denied. This prompted him to appeal his case before Supreme Court.
Supreme Court has upheld findings of IBP. In its ruling, it stressed that notarization is not mere formality but act of significant public interest, converting private documents into public ones, which are admissible in court without further authentication.
High tribunal highlighted act of notarization grants document full faith and credit, making it crucial for notaries public to strictly adhere to basic requirements of their duties.
“Notaries public are enjoined to observe with utmost care basic requirements in performance of their duties; otherwise, confidence of public in integrity of this form of conveyance would be undermined,” Supreme Court’s decision read.
Citing 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice, Court reiterated notary public must ensure person signing document is present at the time of notarization and is either personally known to notary or identified through competent evidence.
It stressed that notary public should never notarize document unless individual who signed it is same person who appeared before them to affirm contents of document.
Any violation of this rule, Supreme Court said is violation of Canon II of Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability which replaced old CPR.
“Notably, Atty. Reago never even refuted Brozas-Garri’s allegation but, instead, countered that be and his wife merely exercised acts of administration over Brozas-Garri’ s property, and as such, said SPA was unnecessary and superfluous in execution of lease contract over said property, and Brozas-Garri I was deemed to have ratified lease considering her acceptance of benefits from it,” it added.
Being suspended from practice of law, Reago litigate nor do services of lawyer for two years. Among these are notarizing documents. He could once again practice law once his suspension is lifted.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
Substitute candidates must be with same surname and political party
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watch for the coming “Gamefowl Quest”
Quad comm, Davao hearing on EJK
By Nidz Godino
“Committee would like to extend to him opportunity to clear his name or to give information or rebut testimony of witnesses,” Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said io bring legislative inquiry closer to former president Rodrigo Duterte, House quad committee may hold in Davao City its next hearings on various policies of his administration, including deadly campaign against illegal drugs.
Although they are giving former president courtesy of not compelling him to attend quad hearings, Pimentel said they will again send invitation to Duterte to be resource speaker.
“We will send another invitation for the former president. .. invitation is not in any way that we will accuse him, more of giving him opportunity to respond and clear his name,” he stressed.
In case Duterte still declines invitation, Pimentel said committee may decide to hold hearing in Davao City to give former president chance to attend without having to travel to Manila.
Pimentel clarified lawmakers are not accusing former president of anything, adding that it was some of their witnesses who tagged him in alleged crimes.
Last week, former warden of Davao Prison and Penal Farm confirmed receiving call from Duterte, who supposedly congratulated him after killing of three Chinese drug lords in 2016.
Corrections Senior Supt. Gerardo Padilla confirmed earlier testimony of inmate regarding Duterte’s supposed phone call over hit on drug lords.
Appearing at the hearing, Pimentel said, would allow Duterte to respond directly to allegation.
Although lawmakers may move to cite for contempt those who refuse to appear during hearings, Surigao congressman ruled out possibility of doing so for Duterte.
“This is former president, therefore we should also show some courtesy,” he said.
Same applies to Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, with Pimentel noting inter-parliamentary courtesy for members of Congress.
Aspirants file your certificate of candidacy on October 1-8,2024
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Rody may be held liable for harboring Quiboloy
By Nidz Godino
“There are names on the list, but we will wait for formal submission of charges…we are coordinating with DOJ to ensure cases we file are strong and airtight,” Philippine National Police (PNP) public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo at press briefing in Camp Crame former president Rodrigo Duterte may be liable for obstruction of justice for harboring Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy, Department of Justice (DOJ) said.
DOJ, through its budget sponsor Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, confirmed this during plenary deliberations of its proposed 2025 budget at House of Representatives.
Upon questioning of ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, DOJ, through Bongalon, said obstruction of justice may be committed if person interfered in arresting or punishing individual.
Asked if Duterte can be held liable under this law, Bongalon said, “yes, if elements of offense are met.”
PNP created special investigation team to focus on identifying individuals suspected of harboring Quiboloy after PNP launched its operation to find KOJC leader.
Fajardo, said there are plans to charge KOJC officers and members with obstruction of justice.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Quiboloy is not deserving of house arrest because he “made it difficult” for authorities to take him into custody.
Although decision to place Quiboloy under house arrest depends on courts, Remulla said those who are usually given this are those who voluntarily surrender themselves to authorities.
“Those who hid and made it difficult for government to take them into custody are not usually allowed house arrest,” he added.
Remulla said “it does not appear” that Quiboloy voluntarily surrendered to authorities, noting that it took police 16 days to search for him in KOJC compound in Davao City.
“Either he was going to get caught, thus his decision to surrender, or he was about to be arrested and decided to surrender…in either case, spontaneity of his action is absent,” he added.
Defense lawyers earlier asked court to place Quiboloy either on house arrest or to transfer him to custody of Armed Forces of the Philippines, citing security concerns and age.
Quiboloy, septuagenarian facing sexual and child abuse cases before Quezon City court and qualified trafficking cases before Pasig City court, is being held at PNP Custodial Center.
Meanwhile, PNP has identified members of so-called Angels of Death group Quiboloy allegedly used to intimidate and threaten victims of abuse within KOJC.
Fajardo said Angels of Death group is not merely symbolic.
“These individuals are real and we have already identified several names…they have been used to threaten and control victims,” Fajardo added.
She noted that PNP has initiated efforts to revoke firearms licenses of these individuals.
According to Fajardo, PNP is treating these individuals as private army under Quiboloy’s command.
Group allegedly takes orders from Quiboloy and has been used to manipulate, intimidate and instill fear among victims, particularly children. Fajardo said two new victims have come forward and expressed their intention to file charges against Quiboloy.
These victims were allegedly abused as minors and are now under protection of PNP in Region 11.
“Victims are gaining courage because Quiboloy is now in custody, which they see as sign that justice may finally be served,” Fajardo explained.
She added victims’ testimonies align with those of previous complainants, detailing pattern of manipulation and abuse that began when they were as young as 12 years old.
ISKUP! 