Akbayan Party submitted a letter-petition to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, demanding the issuance of a Hold Departure Order (HDO) against Apollo Quiboloy.
Quiboloy, a prominent doomsday evangelist, is currently facing grave charges including rape, child abuse, and human trafficking. This request follows the Senate’s mandate to arrest Quiboloy after he repeatedly ignored its summons.
Rafaela David, president of Akbayan, stressed the urgency of preventing Quiboloy from fleeing the country.
“Kailangan ni Quiboloy managot, hindi tumakas abroad. His alleged crimes cannot be allowed to slip through the cracks of justice any longer,” David said.
She underscored the importance of DOJ action to ensure that Quiboloy does not evade the legal proceedings against him.
Akbayan, associated with Senator Risa Hontiveros, emphasized that allowing Quiboloy to leave would be a disservice to the victims of his alleged crimes.
“The issuance of an HDO against Quiboloy is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative,” David said, adding that there is a need to protect societal norms and ensure justice for the alleged victims.
Akbayan also announced plans to approach the Department of Foreign Affairs to cancel Quiboloy’s passport.
Referencing the Philippine Passport Act of 1996, the party argues that passport revocation is warranted as Quiboloy is a fugitive from justice.
“We’re sealing off all possible escape routes for Quiboloy. We’re not letting his passport be his golden ticket out of accountability,” David said.
