IN an interview on Saturday, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy’s legal team raised concerns regarding the cancellation of his firearms registration and license to own and possess firearms (LTOPF) by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Atty. Israelito Torreon stated that Pastor Quiboloy is not applying for new gun permits, as he was granted legal permits many years ago.
The PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) cited Section 4 (G) of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, which requires applicants not to have been convicted or currently accused in a pending criminal case with a penalty of more than two years.
“We learned yesterday that the basis for the cancellation is Section 4(G) of R.A. 10591. If this is indeed the basis, we will await the resolution because this basis might be incorrect. Therefore, we inform the professional chief that if that is the basis, it might be wrong because Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy is not an applicant. He is already a grantee,” said Atty. Israelito Torreon, Legal Counsel for Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.
Torreon urged PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil to review and reconsider the order.
“The application should not be under Section 4(G), but under Section 39, which requires a conviction. Pastor has no conviction. The charges against him are still being questioned,” added Atty. Torreon.
Atty. Torreon added that they are considering filing a motion for reconsideration and exploring all available legal remedies regarding the PNP’s decision.
The camp of Pastor Quiboloy asserted that it is one’s right to avail of self-protection, and the good pastor applied for gun permits for security reasons.
Atty. Torreon: PNP’s actions vs Pastor ACQ may be part of a larger scheme
Meanwhile, Pastor Quiboloy’s legal team has raised concerns about potential further actions following the PNP’s move.
Torreon suggested that this could be part of a larger scheme by the state against Pastor Apollo.
“There’s really no reason to order the cancellation or revocation of Pastor’s license to own and possess firearms. They’re making a reason, Section 4(G). That doesn’t seem right because Pastor is not even an applicant anymore. I’m informing that this might be a precursor to a bigger scenario, where they may apply for a search warrant to legally search all of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy’s properties,” stated Torreon.
Past complaints have been lodged against Philippine authorities regarding the planting of evidence in police operations.
The latest personality to raise concerns is former Congressman Arnie Teves, alleging that raiding authorities planted loose firearms during a raid at his properties in April last year.
Torreon reassured against such an occurrence in Pastor Apollo’s case.
“We only hope that the policemen will also act professionally, and if such a situation arises, we may need to install secret cameras in all of Pastor’s properties. Some visible, some hidden, so if such a possibility arises, we can avoid it and immediately expose it, right?” said Torreon.
