Sen. Hontiveros says witness claimed he was held captive at Quiboloy compound

Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that Michael Maurilio, also known as 'Rene,' who previously testified against televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, contacted her office alleging he was being held captive at Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound.

This claim surfaced after Maurilio posted a video recanting his earlier testimony, alleging Hontiveros coerced him into testifying against Quiboloy and that he was paid P1 million for it.

Hontiveros stated that Maurilio had sought help from her office on June 22 and 23, expressing fears of being kidnapped.

She presented screenshots of their exchanges to the media, emphasizing that Maurilio initiated the contact.

Hontiveros explained that while Maurilio was under the care of the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms during the Senate hearings, he later left the care of partner church and civil society groups.

Hontiveros refuted Maurilio's accusations, stating that her office will file a case against him and others involved in spreading the video.

She emphasized that the situation is an attack on truth-telling and that they will not allow senators or witnesses to be threatened.