The Philippine National Police (PNP) failed anew to take into custody Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy during the simultaneous raids at the religious group’s compound in Davao City and four other areas on Monday, June 10.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the operations were part of police’s compliance to the court order to arrest Quiboloy in connection with human trafficking and child abuse charges leveled against him—the cases are non-bailable.
“There are no updates so far in the areas where the police operations were conducted, areas where Pastor Quiboliloy could be,” said Fajardo in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
At least 100 policemen from various PNP units, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), raided the property owned by the KOJC in Davao City early Monday morning.
The policemen, however, were met with hundreds of KOJC members who allegedly tried to block the cops from entering the property.
Aside from the area, Fajardo said policemen also went to the prayer mountain of the KOJC and three other areas where Quiboloy were possibly hiding.
The official said the Davao City operations are proof that the PNP has been receiving valid reports that Quiboloy is still in the country.
“There is no indication so far that Pastor Quiboloy has already left the country because there is no confirmation yet from the Bureau of Immigration. The mere fact that they are simultaneously implementing warrants of arrest is an indication that we believe that he is still here in the country,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo then urged the supporters of Quiboloy to exercise restraint, saying the PNP is just doing its job of complying with a court order.
“The PNP has no intention to initiate trouble, The presence of the policemen in the area was legal,” said Fajardo,
“I also want to take this opportunity to call on Pastor Quiboloy and other accused to surrender and face the charges against them in order for them to be given the opportunity to answer the charges leveled against them,” she added.
Police have been locating Quiboloy following the issuance of arrest warrant against him. Attempts in the past to arrest him yielded negative result.