(UPDATE) A PASIG City court issued on Thursday an arrest warrant against Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused for qualified human trafficking.
Also ordered arrested were Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada and Sylvia Cemañes.
In her ruling, Pasig RTC acting presiding judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa denied Quiboloy's motion to defer or suspend the proceedings and hold in abeyance the issuance of a warrant of arrest pending the resolution by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla of their motion for reconsideration.
The prosecution opposed the motion.
"This court, after personally examining the information and its supporting documents, finds probable cause for the arrest of all the accused," Estacio-Montesa said.
This was the second warrant of arrest issued against Quiboloy, who is also wanted in the United States for various crimes associated with his church.
The Davao City regional trial court (RTC) last week issued an arrest warrant against the controversial religious leader and his five subordinates for child and sexual abuse charges.
Before the arrest warrants were issued, Quiboloy had repeatedly said he would face the allegations in court. However, he has gone into hiding.
In a statement, Remulla welcomed the arrest warrants issued by the Pasig City RTC.
"These arrest warrants herald the efficiency of our criminal justice system, echoing the strong resolve of the state and our society to hold accountable individuals who transgress the rule of law, regardless of their social status or wealth," Remulla said.
He urged the beleaguered religious leader to face trial if he believes he is innocent.
"No one is above the law, even if one occupies an important position in his religious organization," Remulla said.
"Quiboloy cannot impose any conditions. He must surrender not according to his terms but according to the terms of the law. The law applies to all, without exception," he added.
Remulla said the charges against Quiboloy are not "simple" since they involve "serious and morally abhorrent offenses."
"Argue your charges before the Court where you remain the accused, tell the naked truth, that way you can redeem yourself," he dared Quiboloy.