Davao court issues arrest warrant vs Quiboloy

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 1:04 p.m.) — A Davao Regional Trial Court (RTC) has issued a warrant of arrest against doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy.

This has been confirmed by Sen. Risa Hotiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality,

“Upon a judicious examination and perusal of the Information, the records of the preliminary investigation, including the affidavits and written statements, and other attachments to the Information, the Court finds probable cause to issue Warrant of Arrest,” the arrest warrant read.

The accused, joined by Quiboloy, include five associates: Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada and Sylvia Cemañes.

The warrant mentioned charges of sexual abuse and child abuse under Section 5 (b) and Section 10 (a) of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

RELATED: Quiboloy charged with criminal raps in Pasig, Davao courts

The charges, previously dismissed by the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office in 2020, were overturned by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

RELATED: Quiboloy to face trafficking, child abuse raps — DOJ

Last month, the Senate also issued an arrest warrant against the preacher for his non-appearance in the probe of the alleged abuses of Quiboloy and his “church” the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

The DOJ has yet to issue a statement about the matter.

Philstar.com attempted to contact one of Quiboloy’s lawyers, Ferdinand Topacio, for comment, but has not received a response at this time.