The Philippine National Police (PNP) believe that Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), remains inside the KOJC compound in Davao City, despite ongoing attempts to serve arrest warrants. As of September 3, 2024, this marks the 11th day of the police operation to apprehend the fugitive preacher.
“We still believe he is there,” said Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, chief of the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11), during a press conference. “He is laughing at us. But there is always time for everything. Sooner or later, we will catch him. It’s just a matter of time.”
Despite the police’s assertion, KOJC legal counsel Israelito Torreon maintains that Quiboloy is not inside the compound. Torreon also argued that having an arrest warrant does not authorize an extensive search unless the accused is seen entering the building. He criticized the police for conducting what he called an “intrusive search” since the start of the operation.
During their search, authorities reportedly found a room allegedly belonging to Quiboloy, surrounded by rooms occupied by women. General Torre noted the presence of minors aged 10 to 15 in the area and stated that the matter is being coordinated with the appropriate agencies.
Torre mentioned that around 60 female police officers were deployed to search the premises, as per the supposed request of KOJC. However, only 10 officers were permitted entry by the KOJC.
Torre also revealed that his family has been receiving hate messages and death threats on social media from alleged fake accounts and trolls, including direct threats to his children. Despite these threats, he affirmed that the police would continue their efforts to arrest Quiboloy.
Quiboloy faces multiple arrest warrants in the Philippines for alleged violations of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and qualified human trafficking. He has been in hiding since the Senate issued an arrest order for his refusal to attend hearings. Additionally, Quiboloy has been indicted in the United States on charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, including sex trafficking of children and bulk cash smuggling.
Quiboloy’s camp has repeatedly denied all allegations against him. GMA News Online has reached out to KOJC for a comment but has not yet received a response.