MANILA, Philippines – The fact that Paulene Canada, one of Pastor Quibolloy’s co-accused in his human trafficking and child abuse cases was presented before the public means her arrest was true.
This was the answer of Police Brig. General Nicolas Torre, Davao police regional director, as to the claim of lawyer Israelito Torreon, legal counsel of the embattled televangelist that he was wrongly informed that no such arrest happened and that Canada’s capture was only “fake news” even if it really happened.
In an interview following Canada’s arrest, Torreon said the whole thing was captured on video, called Torre at about 2:50 and 3:02 pm but did not receive any response. At Camp Catitipan, the lawyer said he was informed that there was no such arrest.
In a press conference, Torre said he was “not aware” of the presence of the lawyer at the camp and that information on Canada’s arrest was limited only to a very few personnel.
“Sinong nakausap niya because the people who actually arrested Pauline Canada eh napaka konti lang ang nakakalam so baka ang napag tanungan niya eh hindi alam kung meron bang operation o may nahuli,” he said.
“It’s an unfortunate thing but i-prinesent naman natin ngayon si Ms. Canada and for return siya sa court na nag-issue ng warrant,” he said.
Torre said Canada was transported to the regional police station for processing but was brought first to the Buhangin police station for record purposes.
As to the claim that Canada had no access to her counsel when she was arrested, Torre said he had no idea about Torreon’s claims, especially his supposed negligence of the lawyer’s attempt for correspondence since they do not have any communication.
In fact, Torreon himself committed to help in the capture of the fugitives, said Torre but did not really help authorities.
“He actually gave commitment na tutulong and then , since then pagdating ko, one month later, he never communicated with me until we arrested this person,”
Torre also denied not giving access to Canada’s counsel, “I have not received any request from him.”
He was also not aware of any call made by Torreon to him.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said the 1 million peso bounty was instrumental in the capture of Canada.
