Fugitive televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), remains in the Philippines, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos. During a press briefing in Camp Crame on Friday, Abalos stated that despite the possibility of Quiboloy being in another country, current intelligence indicates he is still within the Philippines.
“There is always the possibility that they are already in other parts of the world. But from what we see so far, they are just here. They are just here in the Philippines,” Abalos said.
Abalos assured the public that the authorities are closing in on Quiboloy, making it increasingly difficult for him to hide. He urged Quiboloy to face the charges against him, which include child and sexual abuse and human trafficking, in court.
“Pastor, I know you have your reasons. You claim to be innocent. Just surrender and present your evidence in court. This is the time to present your evidence and your lawyers,” he said. “We have procedures in court, and if necessary, there are appeals. This ensures the justice process is proper, and everyone must follow it.”
A reward of P10 million is being offered for information leading to Quiboloy’s arrest. Additionally, P1 million each is offered for his five co-accused. One co-accused, Paulene Canada, was arrested in Davao City following the announcement of the bounty.
Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, questioned the motives behind the private individuals offering the bounty. Abalos responded by reminding Topacio of his own history of offering rewards for arrests and called on him, along with former presidential spokespersons Harry Roque and Salvador Panelo, to advise Quiboloy to surrender.
Quiboloy has been in hiding since the Senate issued an arrest order for his refusal to attend hearings. The police have raided several KOJC properties in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani to serve the arrest warrants but have not yet apprehended him.
Quiboloy is also facing charges in the United States, where he has been indicted for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, and other charges. In 2022, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation issued “wanted” posters for Quiboloy and two other KOJC members.