GUNS AT GLORY MOUNTAIN
A WITNESS in the ongoing investigation of televangelist Pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy claimed he saw the preacher carrying a bag containing weapons.
Witness Rene, whose real name was withheld to protect his life, said he was a former landscaper at the Glory Mountain compound on Mt. Apo in Davao where Pastor Quiboloy usually does his regular prayer.
Rene went on to describe the alleged physical ordeal he suffered when Quiboloy was displeased with his work.
The witness also mentioned the visit at Glory Mountain by then President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Vice President Sara.
“Maglalabas din po ako ng imbitasyon sa mga nabanggit ng mga victim survivor na nanakit sa kanila, kasama sina (Crisante) Enteng Canada, Tina San Pedro, Marion Rosete at mga iba pa sa mga miyembro ng Kingdom (of Jesus Christ), said Sen Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Committee on Women and Children, Gender and Equality.
She added: “My office has made it our policy to put the voices of women and children first, to put the voices of the victim-survivors at the center. There is one thing that needs to be said amidst the noise: the crimes for which Pastor Apollo Quiboloy stands accused — both in the United States and here in the Philippines– are taking place as we speak.”
Quiboloy, who is a no show in the Senate probe, is reportedly still here in the Philippines as confirmed by the Bureau of Immigration.
Hontiveros said the KOJC pastor should be held accountable for maltreating and abusing innocent lives particularly minors who were victimized by Quiboloy himself and his religious sect.
The lady senator laments that many women and minors were raped and brainwashed into believing it was their sacrifice for the “appointed son of God,” which Quiboloy made them to believe.
While some of its members were forced to beg in malls, bus terminals, and streets to support the church leader’s private jet, foreign trips and mansion.
Hontiveros reminded Quiboloy by saying that no one is above the law and although many politicians were allegedly considered his so-called friends, she still believed that justice must prevail no matter what.
“We expect you, especially Pastor Quiboloy to respect that subpoena and finally show up to our Senate investigation. Huwag ninyo pong ismolin ang Senado dahil hindi po kami titigil hanggat makamit ng mga biktima ang katarungan at kapayapaan,” Hontiveros warned.
Earlier, the camp of Quiboloy through his lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio challenged Hontiveros to file charges against his client instead of just initiating an investigation on the alleged abuses and crime committed by the religious leader.
Atty. Topacio reportedly even questioned the plan of Hontiveros to ask the Department of Justice to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulleting Order (ILBO) against Quiboloy. The DOJ has yet to receive a request an ILBO from Senator Hontiveros.
