Abante quotes Bible, justifies need to extradite Quiboloy to US
At A Glance
- Pastor-solon Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. supports the sought United States (US) extradition of detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church founder Apollo Quiboloy--and he even shared the perfect Bible verse for it.
Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. (left), Apollo Quiboloy (Facebook)
Pastor-solon Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. supports the sought United States (US) extradition of detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church founder Apollo Quiboloy--and he even shared the perfect Bible verse for it.
In a statement Saturday, Aug. 23, Quiboloy underscored that international cooperation was vital in the global fight against sex trafficking of women and children.
According to Abante, “Extradition is not just a legal mechanism; it is a moral commitment by nations to work hand in hand in protecting those who cannot protect themselves.”
Abante, a pastor-preacher, then quoted Psalm 82:4 and said that the Good Book reminds us that we should “deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked”.
“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.
Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God”, is wanted in the US on charges of sex trafficking, bulk cash smuggling, and immigration fraud. US authorities accuse Quiboloy and his associates of exploiting church members, including minors, in a years-long scheme.
In the Philippines, Quiboloy — spiritual adviser and close friend of former president Rodrigo Duterte — also faces human trafficking and child abuse cases filed by former church members who alleged sexual exploitation and coercion.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has said his legal troubles in the country must first be resolved before the extradition process with the US can proceed.
"We should make clear that no individual is above the law, and no one accused of crimes as grave as trafficking should be able to escape accountability by hiding behind borders," Abante further said.
Abante is the chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, and is the overall chairman of the quad-committee (quad-comm).