Photo courtesy of OS Hontiveros.
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday welcomed the arrest warrant issued against Michael Maurillo, also known as “Alyas Rene,” saying it marked progress in efforts to enforce accountability linked to the Senate’s inquiry into Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy.
The warrant was issued on Feb. 9 by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 111 in connection with a cyber libel complaint filed under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Revised Penal Code.
Hontiveros said the court action underscored prosecutors’ findings that claims made by Maurillo against her office and the Senate investigation lacked factual basis.
She described the development as a strong signal that authorities found sufficient grounds to pursue criminal charges stemming from statements circulated during and after the Senate probe.
The senator reiterated that Maurillo had personally approached her office during the investigation and denied allegations that he was coerced or paid to provide information.
She said his participation in the inquiry was voluntary and that his statements were not influenced by Senate officials or staff.
Hontiveros added that the issuance of the warrant indicated that investigators believed the evidence presented warranted further legal action.
She also called on Maurillo to cooperate with authorities and disclose information about individuals she described as higher-level figures connected to Quiboloy’s operations, noting that her office was also reviewing possible cases against those spreading false claims online.