IT appears that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is unaffected by Senator Risa Hontiveros’ push for the revocation of the alleged firearm licenses of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.
The senator accused Pastor Apollo of supposedly maintaining private armed groups, thus she believes it is fitting to revoke the licenses of his firearms and retrieve them.
During a media interview at Camp Crame, PNP-PIO Chief Police Colonel Jean Fajardo stated that they have no records of Pastor Apollo being involved in crimes using firearms, and affirmed that the esteemed pastor does not have any private armed groups.
“We don’t have any information with respect to Sen. Hontiveros’ statements about Pastor Quiboloy’s private army. As for the question of why the licenses and registrations of the firearms have not been canceled or revoked, we have existing laws, RA 10591, and under Section 39, it’s clear about the grounds where the FEO (Firearms and Explosives Office) can revoke or cancel the License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearm registration. One of those grounds is if you have committed a crime involving the use of firearms or an offense under RA 9165,” according to Col. Jean Fajardo, Chief, PNP-PIO.
While the cancellation of Pastor Apollo’s firearms seems distant and irrelevant due to their proper registration, it also does not fall under the ongoing cases against him.
“In Pastor Quiboloy’s case involving child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, we might consider these as crimes against moral turpitude, but Section 39 of RA 10591 clearly states that it should be a conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude that can be a ground for revocation and cancellation of LTOPF and registration. However, I am in discussion with the chief of the FEO, and they are also studying this. Of course, they will be coordinating with the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) and DOJ (Department of Justice) who filed the cases because there is a provision there under Section 5 that if a competent court issues an order for the revocation and cancellation of LTOPF and registration, then it can be a ground for revocation,” Fajardo added.
Pastor Apollo’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon has dismissed Senator Hontiveros’ speculation of the pastor having a private armed group as untrue.
On the other hand, Pastor Apollo’s camp has previously asserted that his life is at risk, which is why he chose not to comply or surrender amidst the imminent arrests.
As for the PNP, they continue to engage with Pastor Apollo’s associates and lawyers for his voluntary surrender to the authorities.
