Malacañang did not comment on whether or not President Duterte knows the whereabouts of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing charges in the United States and was tagged "wanted" by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), saying that any communication about the case "should pass through diplomatic channels."
Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles opted to reiterate the statement of the Department of Justice on Quiboloy's case when asked if the President is aware of Quiboloy's whereabouts during a press briefing Tuesday, Feb. 8.
"It pass(es) through the diplomatic channels, any communication should pass through the diplomatic channels, the Department of Justice has already spoken on the issue," Nograles said.
The cabinet secretary also echoed Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra's statement that an immigration lookout bulletin order can be issued against the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder "if there is a need to."
"I will reiterate yung sinabi ni (what) Secretary Menardo Guevarra kahapon (said yesterday) that we can issue a lookout bulletin order as we examine the evidence before us and as outside events unfold," he said.
Nograles gave the same answer when sought for reaction if there is a possibility that Quiboloy's case would affect the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and United States.
Meanwhile, the Presidential spokesman also did not confirm if authorities are already looking into the alleged assassination plot against Quiboloy. However, he said, if there is such an attempt, it must be reported to the concerned government agency as it is a "concern of government."
"Any assassination attempt or plot against any individual or person for that matter ay syempre (is of course) a concern of government pero kailangan po makipag-ugnayan agad sa ating mga (but it should be coordinated with) law enforcement agencies," Nograles said.
A federal warrant was issued against Quiboloy in the US on Nov. 10, 2021 over his grand jury indictment before the US District Court for the Central District of California, Santa Ana, California “for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.”
The FBI recently released a "wanted" poster of Quiboloy due to his charges.
READ MORE: ‘If needed’ DOJ can issue order to monitor Quiboloy’s travel outside PH — Guevarra