Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. urged Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy to surrender as he stressed that the best way to prove his claim of innocence is to face the charges in court.
Abalos made the appeal as he revealed a P10 million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of Quiboloy.
Aside from the P10 million bounty for Quiboloy, Abalos said P 1 million each is also being offered to the embattled religious leader’s five other co-accused in the cases of child abuse and human trafficking.
“I am urging the Pastor (Quiboloy): let’s end this. For the sake of you and your followers, just surrender,” said Abalos in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
“If you love your followers, let’s end this. This is a court order. You already have a warrant, then surrender. Just present your defense in proper courts and surrender to the police before the situation gets out of hand,” he added.
Abalos emphasized that since Quiboloy was quoted questioning the International Criminal Court over the power of the local courts on those accused over the drug war, the religious leader is now given the opportunity to show respect to the authority of the Philippine courts.
Quiboloy’s co-accused are Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Jackielyn Roy and Sylvia Cemanes.
“These are serious cases so the cases are non-bailable. Until now, authorities are looking for him,” said Abalos.
Abalos said the P15 million bounty was raised and offered by private individuals whom he said became frustrated by how Quiboloy and his co-accused allegedly disregard the rule of law and the system of government.
“We have friends who are frustrated about what’s happening right now and they just want to help, that’s why they offered the reward,” said Abalos.
Authorities warned that those coddling Quiboloy may face charges of violation of Presidential Decree (PD) 1829 or obstruction of justice.