Quiboloy hospitalized for irregular heartbeat

FILE: KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Disgraced Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy has been in a hospital since Friday after complaining of chest pain and irregular heartbeat, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Monday.

In a press conference held at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Monday, PNP information chief and spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said Quiboloy, a detainee at the PNP Custodial Center, is confined at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) for a thorough examination.

She said Quiboloy was granted a medical furlough by the Pasig Regional Trial Court after complaining of chest discomfort on Nov. 7, prompting the PNP General Hospital (PNPGH) to conduct an electrocardiogram on him.

It was found that he is experiencing atrial fibrillation in rapid ventricular response or irregular heartbeat.

The PNPGH recommended that he undergo further examination at a more equipped hospital.

He was supposed to be back Monday but was allowed by the court to stay at PHC until Nov. 16 for the conduct of more medical tests.

Fajardo said the PNP will bring back Quiboloy to the PNP Custodial Center not later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 16.

“We don’t want to speculate kung ano ‘yung nag-trigger ng chest discomfort niya. Let us wait kung ano ang magiging resulta nitong mga (on what triggered his chest discomfort. Let’s wait for the results of his) medical examination. Like I said, the doctors have to take into consideration the previous medical procedures done to him,” she added.

Quiboloy is currently facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge. He is also accused of child and sexual abuse, along with five of his aides.

He was arrested in September at the church compound in Davao City after more than two weeks of operation.

Following the arrest, his lawyers immediately sought a hospital or house arrest due to his medical history, including two previous heart-related procedures.

The court denied the petition after the PNPGH declared that his condition is not life-threatening.