The Court of Appeals has issued a freeze order on the bank accounts and assets of fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused. This decision, detailed in a 51-page document promulgated on August 6, follows a petition by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). The court determined that the bank accounts are linked to “unlawful activities and predicate crimes” allegedly committed by Quiboloy and his associates.
The freeze order, effective immediately, will last for 20 days unless extended by the court. During this period, the individuals and entities involved are barred from accessing or using their assets and properties. The court’s directive encompasses a wide range of assets, reflecting the extent of the alleged criminal activities.
The assets subject to the freeze order include:
- Bank Accounts: At least 10 bank accounts belonging to Quiboloy and 27 bank accounts associated with Paulene Canada, a co-accused in Quiboloy’s qualified human trafficking cases. Additional bank accounts include those of Maria Dandan, Helen Panilag, Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Cemañes, Jackielyn Roy, Alona Santander, and Marlon Acobo.
- Real Properties: Seven properties linked to Quiboloy.
- Motor Vehicles: Five vehicles registered under Quiboloy’s name.
- Aircraft: One aircraft associated with Quiboloy.
- Organizations: 23 bank accounts of the Children’s Joy Foundation, a foster care center founded by Quiboloy, 47 bank accounts of Quiboloy’s “church,” the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and 17 bank accounts of Swara Sug Media Corp., the parent company of the suspended Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
The court has mandated that banks and government agencies provide information regarding frozen accounts and assets within 24 hours of receiving the order. This immediate compliance is crucial to ensuring that the freeze order is effectively implemented and that the assets remain inaccessible to the accused parties.
Apollo Quiboloy, a close ally and spiritual advisor to former President Rodrigo Duterte, is currently sought by both local authorities and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He faces serious charges, including sexual and child abuse, as well as human trafficking. Additionally, Quiboloy is implicated in cases of child and sexual abuse before a Quezon City court and non-bailable qualified trafficking in persons in a Pasig City court.
The freeze order represents a significant step in the ongoing efforts to hold Quiboloy and his co-accused accountable for their alleged crimes. The decision underscores the gravity of the charges and the commitment of the judicial system to pursue justice, despite the high-profile nature of the case.