Tensions rose early Thursday morning when police brought a mysterious “blue box” into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, as the search for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy continued.
Some members of KOJC protested, arguing that the box had not been subjected to an X-ray scan before entering the premises, according to a report by Unang Balita. GMA News Online has sought clarification from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 regarding the contents of the box but has yet to receive a response.
Earlier in the day, around 100 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel entered the compound, marking the sixth day of the search operation for Quiboloy.
In addition to the blue box, the PNP brought a long-range acoustic device (LRAD), a high-power sound apparatus commonly used for maritime and perimeter security and crowd control. This heightened the already tense atmosphere inside the KOJC compound.
Meanwhile, the PNP has refuted claims made by Quiboloy-owned media outlet SMNI, which alleged that the police threatened to bomb the KOJC cathedral if Quiboloy was not surrendered within two hours. The PNP dismissed these allegations as false.
The ongoing operation, which began on August 24, aims to serve an arrest warrant against Quiboloy, who faces charges under Sections 5(b) and 10(a) of Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. Additionally, he is facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, filed in a Pasig court.
Quiboloy went into hiding after the Senate issued an arrest order against him for failing to attend hearings. He has also been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California on charges including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
Quiboloy’s camp has consistently denied all allegations.