(Updated)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday, Sept. 10, that it will submit to the decision of the court and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as to where embattled Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy will be detained.

In general, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military has secured facilities in its camps which can house high-profile inmates.

“Historically, the AFP has also been able to house high-level, high-profile cases so handa naman tayo (we are prepared),” Padilla told reporters when asked if the AFP can house high-profile inmates.

“But not really honing in on particular individuals, we have facilities in place and as I’ve said we would be respecting the role of the PNP in this and we defer to what will come out from [the court],” she added.

Relatedly, the Department of National Defense (DND) filed a motion before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 on Tuesday afternoon opposing the request of the camp of Quiboloy to be transferred from the PNP Custodial Center to AFP custody.

Quiboloy is facing a non-bailable charge for violation of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 before the Pasig RTC Branch 159.

"We filed our opposition this afternoon," DND Asst. Sec. Eric Dy confirmed.

Prior to this, the DND said on Monday night that it will oppose any motion to have Quiboloy transferred to AFP custody.

“AFP facilities are subject to strict operational security protocols, thus, the AFP is not the proper agency to have custody of suspects in criminal cases,” DND spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong said.

The camp of Quiboloy reportedly expressed interest to have the KOJC leader transferred from the PNP Custodial Center to any AFP facility, citing “security concerns”.

Whether Quiboloy remains under PNP custody or he will be transferred to other detention facility, Padilla said the government can assure the safety of the controversial religious leader.

“Pare-pareho lang naman siguro ang detention facility. Wala naman po tayong kailangan i-ano dyan (The detention facilities are all the same. We don’t need to [differentiate] one from the other). Whatever the role that we have to play, then we will do so accordingly,” she said.

“I could not theorize nor speculate on their next action or their move on this. As I said, we respect the PNP being the lead on this and the AFP will support whatever role that is going to be asked for us to play moving forward,” the AFP spokesperson noted.

The AFP earlier confirmed providing support to the PNP in its operations at the KOJC compound in Buhangin District, Davao City on Sunday which led to the arrest of Quiboloy and four of his co-accused namely Crisente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Cemañes and Jackielyn Roy.

All are facing a case for violation of Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2023, while Quiboloy is facing a separate case for violation of Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Quiboloy’s camp, however, insisted that the pastor surrendered to the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP).