POLICE operatives yesterday raided three compounds of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in Davao City to arrest its leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused who are wanted on charges of human trafficking, child abuse and sexual abuse.
“We served the warrants of arrest in the three addresses but the operations yielded negative result,” said Maj. Catherine dela Rey, spokesperson of the Davao regional police office.
Policemen went to served the warrants at the Kingdom of Jesus College near the Davao City airport, and the Glory and Prayer Mountains in Barangay Tamayong after receiving information that Quiboloy and his cohorts were hiding there.
“We received information that he is in these three addresses, that’s why we served the warrants of arrest. However, these yielded negative result,” said Dela Rey.
Dela Rey said policemen have been to the college compound a few months ago, also to serve the warrant. The earlier operation also yielded negative result.
Dela Rey said supporters of Quiboloy refused entry to the policemen at one of the KOJC compounds during yesterday’s operation, prompting the lawmen to destroy the gate.
She said supporters of Quiboloy also tried to deny the policemen access to another compound. After negotiations, Dela Rey said lawmen were allowed to enter.
“Our primary goal is to enforce the law. The PNP is merely doing its job as law enforcers, specifically by serving the warrants of arrest,” said Dela Rey, adding: “Our action is based on the order of the court so that Pastor Quibioloy and the five others will face the charges against them.”
Dela Rey said they believe that Quiboloy is still in the Davao region.
“If ever we receive similar information that he is in other areas (in Davao region), of course we will serve the warrants of arrest. We will not stop (until Quiboloy and his co-accused are arrested),” she said.
A Davao City court has issued an arrest warrant against Quiboloy and his co-accused on charges of child abuse. A Pasig City court has also issued an arrest order against him for human trafficking.
The Senate has also issued an arrest warrant against Quiboloy for refusing to cooperate in the Senate investigation on sexual abuse and human trafficking.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo appealed to the supporters of Quiboloy not to interfere with the service of the arrest warrants against their leader.
“Our appeal to everyone is to remain calm. Policemen are there for official discharge of their duties,” said Fajardo, adding that cops do not want to cause harm on anyone.
Fajardo reiterated the PNP’s appeal to Quiboloy to surrender and face the charges against him to avoid similar incidents in the future.
She said there is no indication that Quiboloy has already gone out of the country.
“There is indication so far that Pastor Quiboloy left the country because there is no validation or confirmation on the side of the Bureau of Immigration,” said Fajardo.
“The mere fact that we are implementing these warrants of arrest in the different areas is an indication that we believe that he is still in the country,” she said.
