Manila solon calls for Quiboloy conviction amid global campaign vs trafficking

Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr. urged the government to extradite Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who is now detained for human trafficking in support of the global fight against the said issues.

In a press release on Aug. 24, Abante emphasized that the Quiboloy shall be held accountable for his deeds, citing how trafficking is a global threat to women and children’s rights.

“This is why I support the extradition of Pastor Quiboloy. It is a step in upholding justice, fulfilling our international obligations, and, most importantly, protecting women and children from exploitation,” he said.

The congressman also stated that although there are improvements in the Philippines in terms of combating trafficking, coordinating with other countries is still the best way to address the issue.

“Countries need to work together to stop it. International cooperation, including extradition, should be utilized for us to make inroads against this evil,” Abante said.

Abante also cited that since the country has ratified the United Nations’ Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children or the Palermo protocol, it shall stand by its obligations.

“The treaty supplements the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and obliges signatory states to cooperate in investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases, protecting victims, and ensuring that offenders cannot elude justice by crossing borders,” the press release read.

Moreover, Abante said that the responsibility of each country to fight against global issues does not end at its borders, but rather beyond it.

“Our responsibility does not end at our borders. When the fight is against a crime that violates the most vulnerable amongst us, there should be no safe havens,” he stressed.

Abante’s statement backed the request of the United States (US) to extradite Quiboloy as he also has cases to face, particularly on money laundering and trafficking as well.

According to US authorities, Quiboloy and his church companions fraudulently obtained visas to bring followers to America

US authorities allege that Quiboloy and senior KOJC officials used illegally obtained visas to bring religion members to conduct a fundraising. 

Women and children had also been subjected to sexual harassment under spiritual damnation.