DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte had a mischievous response on TikTok to an inquiry if he is hiding Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy from authorities.

“I am a loyal friend. Of course, sasabihin nilang tinatago ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Kayo nga, anong tingin ninyo? (They will tell you that I am hiding Pastor Quiboloy because I am a loyal friend. Now, tell me what do you think?)” Duterte said in a short video message posted on Tiktok with over 32,000 reactions and 3,177 comments as of posting time.
Duterte admitted that he is a close friend of the pastor who served as his spiritual adviser when he was president. They are friends since Duterte’s tenure as mayor here.
The former Chief Executive was appointed to administer Quiboloy’s properties following charges of child abuse, sexual abuse, and qualified human trafficking in courts here and Pasay City.
Quiboloy, who had been issued arrest warrants, said in a statement that he would face the charges against him if the government consents to his conditions. He added that he only went into hiding due to concerns about extradition.
The former President criticized the excessive and unnecessary force of policemen serving the arrest warrant against Quiboloy and five others last week. As administrator of the KOJC, he plans to pursue legal action against them.
Duterte denied hiding the fugitive pastor. He called on his friend to surrender peacefully to authorities to avoid conflict between them and their members.
He admitted that he maintained contact with Quiboloy who had been helping several political candidates and government officials while still active in the church. Duterte, however, clarified that they refrain from discussing Quiboloy’s case.