Amid the standoff between thousands of policemen and members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil cited Romans 13:1 to emphasize the government’s authority to implement arrest warrants against Apollo Quiboloy.
“The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and its members need to align their actions with the teachings of the Bible, which instructs us to respect and submit to lawful authority,” said Marbil.
The Bible verse says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
More than 2,000 policemen trooped to the KOJC compound in Davao City on Saturday morning, Aug. 24, amid intelligence reports that Quiboloy has been hiding in an underground tunnel inside the 30-hectare property of the religious group.
Quiboloy is facing cases relating to human trafficking and child abuse, and the PNP said these are not simple charges since they are both non-bailable offenses. A P10 million bounty was offered for any information that could lead to his arrest.
“The law applies equally to all, and any attempt to evade justice undermines the very foundation of our society. I encourage KOJC members to act by their faith and to refrain from allowing themselves to be used in ways that contravene the rule of law,” said Marbil.
“As a nation, we are all bound by the rule of law, and we must uphold these principles without exception. This matter transcends legal obligations; it serves as a testament to the principle that no one is above the law,” he added.
‘Kayo din’
Marbil extends the same appeal to the people whom he described as political backers and benefactors, as he stressed that justifying Quiboloy’s action to hide is tantamount to obstruction of justice.
“I would like to take this opportunity to address the political backers and influential supporters of fugitive Apollo C. Quiboloy. I respectfully urge you to exemplify true leadership by advising Mr. Quiboloy to adhere to the rule of law and to address the accusations against him through the proper legal channels,” said Marbil.
“Quiboloy's political backers and benefactors understand well that obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive or being complicit in such actions are serious offenses. Their support must underscore the necessity for clarity and responsibility in this situation,” he added.
Marbil also expressed readiness to face a Senate investigation which Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa reportedly wanted to initiate following the incident at the KOJC compound.
“We are willing to face any investigation. We have nothing to hide, we are just doing the police work—which is to serve the arrest warrants,” said Marbil.
Of radars and tunnels
Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Davao regional police director, said the search for Quiboloy inside the KOJC compound will continue, as he revealed that they are getting positive developments.
He said they have been using ground penetrating radars to locate Quiboloy as police sources said there are underground structures inside the KOJC compound.
“We are using ground penetrating radars and through this, we were able to see things that are not visible to the naked eye,” said Torre.
“It’s just a matter of time before we unearth everything here and actually see who are the people inside,” he added.