Sec. Abalos: Apollo Quiboloy arrested

Apollo Quiboloy billboard in EDSA, Makati City (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

By Che Palicte, Philippine News Agency

DAVAO CITY – The chief of the Police Regional Office in Davao (PRO-11) said Sunday night that all details on the reported arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy will be divulged by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

It was DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos who posted around 6:30 p.m. on his personal Facebook account that NAHULI NA PO SI APOLLO QUIBOLOY (Apollo Quiboloy has been arrested).

PRO-11 Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III told the media in an interview that he has no specific details about the arrest.

“I don’t have any idea about his arrest. You ask SILG (Secretary of the Interior and Local Government) about it. He was the one who broke the news,” he said.

Smiling most of the time during the interview, Torre said he would finally be able to catch up on sleep, which he said averaged no longer than three hours the past three weeks.

He also said that lechon (roast pig) dinner is on him.

Torre admitted that a C130 military aircraft landed at the Tactical Operations Group (TOG) – 11 at Davao Air Base in Barangay Sasa.

“I would like to think that he is coming from Davao because he was fetched by the aircraft. We saw the C130 land at the TOG-11 and we were ordered to let nine cars pass through the airport guided by the Aviation Security Group,” he disclosed.

As for the whereabouts of Quiboloy prior to the supposed arrest, Torre said they are certain that the KOJC founder was in Davao City all along as they studied his movements.

“I thank him [Quiboloy] for the realization to face the law. I also thanked the KOJC members and supporters for their cooperation and I hope this is the start of healing,” he said.

Videos and photos posted by SMNI News showed KOJC members and the police shaking hands.

Reactions

Senator Risa Hontiveros said it’s time for Quiboloy to face the music while the Senate will continue its investigation.

She likewise commended law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts and dedication.

“You cannot outrun the law. You will not further delay justice,” she said in a statement. “Abot kamay na ng mga victim-survivor ang hustisya, salamat sa kanilang paglalakas loob na magsabi ng katotohanan (Justice is almost there for victim-survivors, thanks to their courage to tell the truth).”

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, also the House Appropriations Committee chair, said they will make sure the Philippine National Police (PNP) is given additional budget to acquire tactical field equipment, like the ground penetrating radar of PRO-11.

“This is the first time I am aware that that kind of radar has been prominently used by our law enforcers,” Co said in another statement. “The PNP also needs more air assets, including unmanned drones equipped also with ground penetrating radar and infrared night vision.

”

Duty first

Torre sees no bad blood between him and Quiboloy’s counsel, Israelito Torreon.

“We just did our roles. In the end, things turned out well,” Torre said.

Most of all, Torre thanked all police officers for their unwavering support and sacrifice since Aug. 24 when they stormed the 30-hectare church compound in Buhangin District.

“I thanked all of you for doing everything in this mission.

Let us continue our job and service.

Let’s be proud we did our job today,” Torre added.

The KOJC founder and four of his aides are wanted for qualified human trafficking and violating the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.