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New collision of Ch, Ph vessels near flashpoint shoal
By J.Lo
“China warns Philippines to immediately cease its infringing actions, otherwise Philippines will bear all consequences resulting from this situation,” China Coast Guard spokesman Gan Yu said China’s coast guard rescued Filipino “personnel” who fell overboard Sunday after Philippine vessel collided with one of its ships near disputed shoal in South China Sea.
Philippines slammed China’s claims as “completely unfounded”.
Two nations have had repeated confrontations in the waters in recent months, and on Saturday Manila accused China of twice firing flares at one of its patrol aircraft.
China has continued to press its claims to almost entire sea, and has ignored international tribunal ruling that its assertions have no legal basis.
Beijing accused Philippine vessel of “deliberately” colliding with Chinese Coast Guard ship.
It said collision took place near disputed Sabina Shoal, 140 kilometres (86 miles) west of Philippine island of Palawan and about 1,200 kilometres from Hainan island, the closest Chinese landmass.
Gan said collision occurred when Philippine vessel refused to comply with “control measures” after attempting to deliver supplies to another vessel “illegally stationed” near Xianbin Reef in Nansha Islands using Chinese names for Sabina Shoal and Spratly Islands, also claimed by Manila.
Philippines said its ships encountered “aggressive and dangerous maneuvers” from Chinese side when they were on humanitarian mission to resupply Filipino fishermen with diesel, food and medical items.
Chinese vessels “made close perilous maneuvers resulted in ramming, blasted horns, and deployed water cannons”, leading to early termination of resupply operation after their ship experienced engine failure, statement from Manila’s National Task Force on West Philippine Sea said.
“These unprofessional, aggressive, and illegal actions posed serious risks to safety of Filipino crew and fishermen they were meant to serve,” statement said, adding no one was harmed.
Footage released by Philippine Coast Guard showed Chinese ship approaching and ramming left side of its vessel.
Another clip showed Chinese vessel travelling parallel to Philippine ship, just metres away.
On Saturday Philippines accused China of firing flares at one of its aircraft earlier this month as it patrolled South China Sea.
On Monday both countries also reported collision between their coast guard ships near Sabina Shoal.
Manila had said that was first hostile action by Beijing against it near Sabina, where both sides have stationed coast guard vessels in recent months and where Philippines fears China is about to build artificial island.
US ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, whose country has mutual defense treaty with Manila, blasted “unsafe, unlawful, and aggressive conduct” by Chinese vessels on Sunday, saying it was “latest in multiple dangerous actions” by China.
“We are steadfast in supporting” Philippine allies, she said on X.
China deploys boats to patrol busy South China Sea and has built artificial islands it has militarized to reinforce its claims.
In June, Chinese coast guard sailors brandished weapons including knives and axe as they boarded Philippine naval vessels near strategic reef.
Philippine military said one of its sailors lost thumb in confrontation Beijing’s coast guard also confiscated or destroyed Philippine equipment including guns.
Beijing blamed escalation on Manila and maintains its actions to protect its claims are legal and proportional.
AP’s ‘heartbeat’ detected in KOJC underground bunker
By J.Lo
“As of now, what we’re really looking for is entrance to bunker because life detection device we used has positively detected heartbeats underground,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Region XI spokesperson Catherine Dela Rey said there are notable indications that fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy is hiding in Davao City compound of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, among these is his “heartbeat.”
Dela Rey said PNP’s ground-penetrating radar monitored it in underground bunker discovered in the compound of church Quiboloy founded.
Device is used to produce image of subsurface through radar pulses. It can also detect heartbeats, movement and heat signature.
There were multiple heartbeats detected in the bunker discovered on Saturday, indicating presence of the preacher there, Dela Rey said.
Stressed to this is “positive information” that Quiboloy is inside compound.
“Actions of members of KOJC were aggressive and violent…there were structures they refused to let us enter, indicates they are hiding something,” Dela Rey said.
As of press time, supporters of the preacher are preventing motorists from accessing major road from Davao International Airport as form of protest against police activities in KOJC compound.
“In fact, airport exit is inaccessible; we were only able to secure airport entrance,” Dela Rey said.
Besides disrupting traffic, protesters are calling for resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Dela Rey, in separate interview, said three protesters were already arrested due to obstruction of justice and direct assault during rally resulted in six policemen being injured.
“Because they became aggressive and violent,” Dela Rey said.
“During po sa rally, grabe po yung pagka agresibo nila…hinampas po… pinaghahampas po ng KOJC members,” she added.
Monday marks third day police officers from Region XI have been staking outside KOJC compound to implement arrest warrant on Quiboloy.
Around 2,000 police officers have entered 30-hectare church compound to apprehend preacher, is facing charges of child and sexual abuse along with human trafficking.
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Angelica Panganiban mourns death of mother Annabelle
By Cynthia Montojo
“In loving memory of Annabelle ‘Ebela’ Panganiban’
Angelica Panganiban’s mother, Annabelle, passed away last August 20. She was 61 years old.
Actress confirmed her mother’s passing on Instagram.
“February 3,1963 – August 20, 2024
Wake and memorial service for Angelica’s mother is being held in Aeternitas Chapels and Columbarium starting today.
Celebrities such as John Arcilla, Carla Abellana, Angeline Quinto, Neri Miranda, Dominic Roque, Enchong Dee, Carol Banawa, Miles Ocampo, Coney Reyes, Barbie Imperial, Bea Alonzo, Bela Padilla, Kim Chiu, Camille Prats, Pauleen Luna and JC de Vera, to name a few, extended their condolences to Angelica.
“Mahigpit na yakap, momsy…andito lang kami lagi para sa’yo…prayers for you and your family,” Kim wrote.
“We love you, Ebela…rest in peace with our Father,” Camille commented.
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‘Cultural icon for ages’: UP bestows highest alumni award on Eraserheads
By Cynthia Montojo
“It is no exaggeration to say Eraserheads are pivotal force in history of Original Pilipino Music…decades after they burst into local music scene, they remain household name, cultural icon for the ages… Eraserheads helped define music, memories and identity of generation, no less,” UP President Angelo Jimenez said in his speech nostalgic moment for members of legendary rock band Eraserheads when they were conferred Gawad Oblation Medal for their remarkable contributions to their alma mater, University of the Philippines (UP), and country’s music scene.
Jimenez and assistant vice-president for public affairs Prof. Jeanette Yasol-Naval presented award to Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro in ceremony recently held at UP Executive House.
Launched in 2017, award is highest distinction UP bestows to its alumni for their significant contributions to university. Gawad Oblation Medal “is symbol of UP’s deep gratitude for extraordinary service rendered with or in name of UP.”
“Band revolutionized OPM by introducing new sound, blending alternative rock with traditional Filipino elements including Western rock styles, but with distinctly Pinoy sensibilities,” he continued. He also cited group’s tracks, such as With A Smile and Ang Huling El Bimbo, “still staple at every karaoke,” and “humanized generation during very, very decisive period in the history of our country by asserting what individuality from Ligaya, Spoliarium to Para Sa Masa.”
“Their songs kind of gained cultural universality that only select few pop songs ever achieved,” Jimenez further said.
Recognition became full-circle moment for rock icons whose “roots are deeply intertwined” with university. They were students at UP when they formed band in 1989 and signed recording deal with BMG Records in 1992.
“Who knew back then that this relatively unknown band named after David Lynch film ‘Eraserhead’gained cult following in UP after incredible performances at UP Fair, played in smoke-filled venues such as Club Dredd and would become legends they are,” continued Jimenez.
He thanked Buendia, Marasigan, Zabala, and Adoro “for living out and articulating values of UP through your music, your creatives, your struggles personal and as group and your achievements.”“For three decades, you have continued to inspire strong sense of shared Filipino culture, social consciousness, national identity, and national pride among Filipinos here and abroad.
“Thank you for giving voice to thoughts, struggles and hopes of generation…your songs served as our anthems, transcending time and space, becoming soundtracks of no less than our lives.”
OPM rock stars couldn’t help but reminisce about times they spent at campus.
Reading his Tagalog speech from his phone, Adoro noted they learned at UP what true freedom means, including freedom to choose, freedom to speak out and freedom to follow and hear their own music.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa UP Library na nagpapatatag ng aming pundasyong intelektwal, sa UP Sunken Garden para sa gabing walang kasing-saya, sa madidilim ng sulok ng Beta Way at Lagoon para sa mga gabing punong-puno ng lambing.”
He also expressed gratitude to their former professors, friends in the dormitory, parents and family. “At isang dumadagundong na shout-out sa malaking mama sa itaas.”
He vowed to continue upholding Filipino spirit through music, “Mabuhay ang Noypi!”
Marasigan, as well, was grateful to UP and paid tribute to his parents, wife and children who are now also UP students. “For our parents na ‘di man namin nabigyan ng diploma, patuloy pa ring sumuporta…para sa aming mga anak na sa UP din tumapak, napadpad at lumipad…para sa aming mga kabiyak at ang kanilang napakahabang pasensya at pang-unawa.”
He likewise mentioned their former mentors, especially Dr. Robin Rivera, for believing in them when they were just starting out. “Thank you to Ely, Marcus and Buddy para sa mga himig at rakenrol… I’m nervous…para sa mga nauna, sumabay at nagpapatuloy, wala humpay na pasasalamat at padayon.”
“Robin Rivera, our Humanities professor and long-time studio producer, impressed four adventurous college students, no, delinquents… he helped Eraserheads forge music that we know and love today…thank you, Robin.”
He extended his thanks to BMG Philippines for “taking risk on us when our music was not uso. Thank you, Club Dredd in Timog, for giving our music stage, props to Maskipops, UP fair and all the fun UP orgs and all those fun nights.”
He continued citing the friends that they made along the way and their families for standing by them no matter what.
“And finally, thank you, UP Diliman for being our home away from home, my world expanded, no, it exploded… UP has given us many unforgettable experiences, academic and otherwise, countless of which have made their way to our songs, our experiences in the university inform our storytelling,” declared Zabala, who was 16 when he left his hometown in Zamboanga to study in Metro Manila.
.“Thank you UP for letting four of us grow and thrive…we are here because of our shared stories. ..may UP continue to inspire its new students find their own stories and nurture their creative selves as it did with us…mabuhay ang UP, this place we call home.”
Buendia was the last to speak. “To say that my first UP experience was rude awakening is an understatement,” he began.
In 1987, Buendia was just reeling from high school that he didn’t go during the first semester enrollment week. “I had no idea what block was. So I foolishly enrolled week after. From seven in the morning until seven in the evening, I try to get as many units as possible lining up, knocking on faculty doors.
“At the end of the day, I managed to enlist in only three subjects History 10, Math 3, and Spanish 2 and 3… I was off to great start make matters worse, my Spanish professor was a terror and only spoke Spanish in class as did my classmates…at the end of the semester, I barely managed to pass History and Math…but I was definitely going to get singko as grade in Spanish… I begged my professor for passing grade… and he asked me, ‘do you have anything that will make me consider passing you… anything at all… I said, well, I can write song…and so I gave him demo cassette of Pare Ko and prayed,” recalled Buendia.
Pare Ko was inspired by his friend Raphael Umali who was heartbroken at that time. He was also among attendees at the event.
Buendia added, “But the day after, my professor in Spanish told me that I passed…this taught me that for one, my professor can understand Tagalog…and two, that from point on, music can get me through anything in life.”
A year later, at the Kalayaan dorm, Buendia found Marasigan, Zabala, and Adoro who “had my struggles and shared my dream.” And the rest is history.
Buendia further expressed how honored and humbled they were to receive medal from their beloved alma mater,in his words, “shaped not only our minds but also our souls, it is profound privilege.”
“UP was where our ideas were born, our dreams were nurtured and our music found its voice. .. university was not just our school, but it was our playground, our stage, our motel, just kidding… and our testing ground…it was here that we discovered power of creativity and freedom of expression that will later define who we are as artists…but above all, UP taught us something more valuable how to question, how to challenge, how to stand up, and how to speak out… spirit of social engagement, pursuit of truth, and commitment to social responsibility, our values we have carried with us throughout our journey.”
He dedicated award to every UP student, artist, musician, his family, Rivera, among others.
“To the University of the Philippines, thank you for giving us foundation to create, explore and to challenge status quo…thank you for instilling in us courage to pursue our passion and responsibility to use our platform for good,” he concluded.
Rivera, as well as chairman and chief executive officer of WEU Event Management Services Francis Lumen delivered their respective testimonials for Eraserheads while UP Symphony Orchestra String Quartet performed some of band’s hits, arranged by Jose Carlo Tuazon of Manila String Machine. Jane Vinculado served as host of program.
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Errors in VP Sara’s ‘Isang Kaibigan’
By J.Lo
“Even if, say, story is magical, we still want to impart knowledge to children as readers… you are still imparting something substantial or factual, such as with how you introduce animals as characters in the story,” University of the Philippines Sentro ng Wikang Filipino (SWF) director Jayson Petras has noted some factual inconsistencies and grammatical errors in children’s book “Isang Kaibigan,” authored by Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio,could have been prevented had book undergone peer review and editing.
Petras, also Literature professor in UP Diliman, said challenging to write children’s story, as lots of elements must be considered, such as simplicity of words that should be used, length of sentences that would complement graphics and topic that could be easily understood by young readers.
He said children’s books, even if fictional, should still have factual consistency as well as proper grammar and sentence construction, as book is still tool to impart knowledge to reader.
He noted that in “Isang Kaibigan,” owl was used or “personified” as main character in the story with attributes not matching actual attributes of an owl.
“It’s still important to do some research, like what type of bird are you introducing as character in the story…for example, if your character is an owl, we know that owls or majority of species of owls are nocturnal…so, maybe, setting should be at night, another issue is nesting area of owl… usually in crevices or holes of trees and not on top of leaves or branches,” Petras said.
Petras also stressed importance of using simple words and constructing sentences that are easy to understand.
“If children will be readers, simple words should be used…you must not introduce highfalutin words, as children’s vocabulary is still limited,” he said.
Petras noted in “Isang Kaibigan,” Duterte used word “kagutuman” hunger or famine , he said, is already deep or heavy word for child to understand.
He also noted one particular grammatical error in Duterte’s book.
“For example, word sila, pronoun, was used in enumerating other bird characters in the story. It should be sina specifier… so, we should also be careful with use of our Filipino language,” Petras said.
In statement, Duterte found it easy to write her children’s book “Isang Kaibigan” as it was based on her own experience. Thus, Vice President said, there was no reason nor need to copy work of anyone.
She issued statement amid allegations that she plagiarized another children’s book, “Owly Just Little Blue” written by American author Andy Runton.
“We are confident that she is trying to get into Golden Triangle because Guo family has business interests and gambling interests in Cambodia and so that would be safest bet that we have as of this moment,” Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) spokesman Winston John Casio said at news forum in Quezon City dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo is attempting to sneak into Golden Triangle in mainland Asia to evade arrest.
Casio said it is most feasible destination of Guo as her family has business interests in Golden Triangle.
Golden Triangle is region in Southeast Asia located along Mekong River and has shared borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.
Casio pointed out countries within region have porous boundaries. He also noted Golden Triangle is said to be teeming with transnational organized crimes.
Seeking refuge in China is unlikely for Guo, Casio said, noting country’s strict rules against illegal gambling.
Guo is said to be currently staying in hotel in Batam, Indonesia, according to Casio, based on latest information from their foreign counterparts.
Casio further said dismissed mayor is seeking refuge in the hotel she’s staying in, but Indonesian authorities are ready to apprehend her once she goes to public place.
There are also reports that Guo’s brother Wesley is attempting to escape from Indonesia to Hong Kong.
Casio reported Guo and her companions were last sighted in private resort on western tip of Luzon last July 14. Authorities raided area but she was already gone as her group left resort using two speedboats.
From July 14 to 17, law enforcement agencies were in dark about Guo’s location. It turned out she and her companions were already in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 18 and stayed until July 21.
Her group then went to Singapore before going to Indonesia, arriving in Batam on Aug. 18 aboard ferry.
With way Guo fled country, Casio said it is likely that some private people and personalities in government may have aided her.
Meanwhile, Senate would grill Guo’s sister Sheila Guo and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) staff Cassandra Li Ong on Tuesday regarding identities of government officials who facilitated their escape last July 18, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian said Guo and Ong are expected to attend public hearing of tri-Senate committees on justice and human rights, women, children, family relations and gender equality and public services, anchored on privilege speech of Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
“We will find out from Sheila and Cassandra who are masterminds, who are government officials who helped them or their accomplices in POGO, helped them fund POGOs in Bamban and Porac ,Pampanga that have become nests of criminality and how wide is the operation,” Gatchalian emphasized, adding that their revelation could even lead to arrest of Guo.
House committee on appropriations is now out to review how intelligence funds of agencies were used, saying escape of Guo puts in question how budget is being utilized.
Panel chair and Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co also cited cases of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy and former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, who remain elusive from law, indicating failure of intelligence.
“These incidents are alarming because they raise serious questions on use of funds for security and law enforcement,” Co said.
Lawmaker noted while these might seem “isolated incidents,” there is need to review how intelligence funds are being utilized.
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Ch shoots flares at BFAR plane
By J.Lo
“On Aug. 22, two Philippine military aircraft trespassed into airspace near Nansha Islands, including Zhubi Jiao (Subi Reef), where China is stationed,” foreign ministry said China shot flares at least thrice at Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) plane conducting maritime patrol with Philippine Coast Guard in Zamora (Subi) Reef.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela has yet to confirm such report to journalists who did not join latest mission to West Philippine Sea.
However, Beijing’s foreign ministry said in statement China took “countermeasures” against two Philippine military aircraft that flew into its airspace over South China Sea.
It added “Chinese side took necessary countermeasures in accordance with law, in order to protect its own sovereignty and security.”
Foreign ministry did not specify what types of measures China took, describing actions as “professional, restrained, and standardized.”
Meanwhile, PCG spotted “hospital ship” from China, as well as China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel, 24 Chinese maritime militia vessels, Chinese rescue vessel and four Vietnamese vessels around Escoda (Sabina) Shoal.
Tarriela took swipe at officials who allegedly block government’s “transparency initiative” exposes China’s aggression in West Philippine Sea.
In his post on X, spokesman for PCG in National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) wrote those “holding position in government and are engaged in either blatant or subtle attempts to hinder our efforts for transparency in West Philippine Sea… are more reprehensible than those who opt to stay silent and refrain from commenting on our fight in West Philippine Sea.”
He did not name any government official.
Tarriela maintained transparency campaign, government includes media on board missions to West Philippine Sea, “has inspired strong sense of patriotism among Filipinos and brought attention to global community regarding China’s illegal activities.”
“International community does not view transparency as form of provocation…instead, they recognize it as commendable effort to hold China accountable for its ongoing and egregious violations of international law,” he said.
He added it is government’s “duty to future generations of Filipinos” to “present factual narrative.”
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Obstruction complaint
By Nidz Godino
“We are taking the President’s directive very seriously. .. of national significance, and we will leave no stone unturned in our investigation,” Department of Justice spokesman Mico Clavano said days after their arrest in Indonesia and repatriation to Manila, incorporator of online gaming operator Lucky South 99 and sister of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo underwent inquest proceedings before National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Special Task Force Division for obstruction of justice and harboring fugitive.
Cassandra Li Ong, incorporator of Lucky South 99, and Sheila Leal Guo were arrested last Aug. 20 by Indonesian immigration authorities at Mega Mall Batam Centre, in Riau, Indonesia.
Two arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport via Philippine Airlines Flight PR 540 from Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday.
Ong is also being investigated by Senate for her involvement in Lucky South 99, Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga raided weeks ago for illegal and criminal activities.
Two are believed to have been with dismissed mayor when she left the country on July 18.
NBI also confirmed Sheila is actually Chinese national named Zhang Mier.
Fingerprint analysis conducted by NBI and BI matched Guo’s fingerprints with those of Zhang Mier.
NBI director Jaime Santiago said at press briefing fingerprint analysis confirmed “ Chinese national Zhang Mier and Sheila Leal Guo are one and the same person.”
He also said Guo would be charged with violating Philippine Passport Act, as her passport was allegedly fraudulently obtained.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Sheila’s use of fraudulently issued passport would be part of immigration violation charges to be leveled against her.
She underwent inquest for offense Thursday night at bureau’s headquarters in Manila. BI is preparing deportation proceedings against Sheila.
“We charged her with misrepresentation as Filipino citizen, fraudulently acquiring Philippine passport,” Tansingco said at briefing.
Sheila’s being Chinese passport holder was only discovered after her arrest in Indonesia, according to Tansingco.
Sheila and Ong were handed over to NBI after spending several hours at BI.
Investigation is still ongoing to determine how Sheila and Ong managed to leave Philippines undetected and whether they had been assisted by Philippine officials.
Meanwhile, Tansingco stressed investigation includes retracing paths taken by Sheila and Ong as they left the country. Specific details about their departure were not disclosed.
Clavano said they have taken steps in compliance with President Marcos’ directive to identify and hold accountable any official found to have helped Alice Guo and her companions leave Philippines.
Santiago, meanwhile, clarified that while charges against Sheila and Ong are bailable, two will remain under detention by virtue of warrants of arrest issued by Senate and House of Representatives.
Santiago also said reglementary period for Sheila and Ong was put on hold because of holiday.
He stated that period will continue on Tuesday at 8 in the morning , two will be turned over to Senate and House.
“Today is holiday, reglementary period does not work because there is no office available, so it will only work from time they were arrested until it starts again on Tuesday,” Santiago said.
Ong’s legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio, however, accused NBI of not following procedures in arrest of his client.
“I asked Santiago basis for arrest was…he said NBI would charge her with crime, but if it’s just charge, then that should go through regular process of filing complaint affidavit with preliminary investigation,” Topacio said.
He argued NBI should not detain Ong without case, emphasizing that she should have been turned over to House of Representatives if there was House warrant for her arrest.
Topacio said NBI’s action was “motivated by higher orders” and that it was plain “lawlessness.”
“There’s no reason for NBI to detain her…they can charge her for anything, but without case, why detain her…these are instructions from above, and it’s plain and simple lawlessness,” Topacio said.
But Santiago explained bureau’s actions, saying NBI was acting on valid warrant.
“When arrest warrant is issued, whether by court, Senate or Congress, it is directed to all law enforcement agencies, and we are one of them… once we apprehend person sought by warrant, we process them and return warrant,” Santiago said. He acknowledged NBI was unable to turn over Ong as it was holiday.
Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez
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AQ has not left Philippines — Abalos
By J.Lo
“Based on our intelligence reports, he is still here…we will do everything we can to prevent another Alice Guo,” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said, referring to dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor who was able to leave the country despite outstanding warrant for her arrest by Senate.
Fugitive alleged human trafficker and sex offender Apollo Quiboloy is still in the country, according to Abalos.
Abalos said they are continuing operations to arrest fugitive pastor and founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious group.
Quiboloy is also wanted by US Federal Bureau of Investigation for sex abuse and human trafficking.
Head of Department of the Interior and Local Government urged Quiboloy to come out of hiding and face the slew of charges against him.
They include qualified human trafficking, sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment charges.
“He is deemed to be innocent until his guilt is proven…it’s best that he surrender, show up and clear everything because these are very serious allegations,” Abalos said.
Abalos and ranking officials of PNP are facing complaints over raid on Quiboloy’s compound in Davao City.
ISKUP! 