By Brian Jules Campued
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is studying if former president Rodrigo Duterte is liable for obstruction of justice after claiming that he knows the whereabouts of wanted pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
PNP Spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo, however, emphasized that they have to look into the context of Duterte’s remarks first before commenting on the matter.
“Ito ba ay sinabi niya just to tease ‘yung mga kaharap niya? Or is it just joke lang po? Kailangan nating makuha ‘yung buong konteksto ng kanilang pag-uusap because obviously ang isang tao na alam ang kinaroonan ng isang wanted person may be held liable for obstruction of justice but then again we want to reserve muna ang ating comment,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Tuesday.
“Kailangan din po nating makausap kung sino ‘yung kausap niya during that time, at sino ‘yung nakarinig nitong kaniyang mga pananalita, sino ‘yung nakapag-record. Kasi kung pagbabasehan natin ‘yung simpleng video lamang po, this will constitute as hearsay lang,” she added.
Quiboloy and his subordinates are facing charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Meanwhile, Fajardo said the PNP is still investigating the recent police operation aimed at arresting the preacher and his co-accused at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) headquarters in Davao City last month. However, the agency maintained the regularity of the said operation.
“Titingnan po kung nagkaroon po ba ng operational lapses during the service of warrant of arrest,” she said.
The PNP, likewise, urged those who know the location of the embattled leader to report to the authorities. (with report from Rod Lagusad/PTV News)
