PNP exec says fugitive pastor still in Davao City compound

Apollo Quiboloy —PHOTO FROM THE OFFICIAL PAGE OF BONG GO

Fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse, is hiding inside his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, a ranking police official in charge of the area said on Thursday.

Davao police regional director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said he came to this conclusion based on tips and because the 30-hectare compound remained tightly guarded by Quiboloy’s followers.

READ: Freeze order helps limit Quiboloy’s movements, DOJ explains

“That is what the indicators and the informants are telling us, that he is just inside,” Torre told reporters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

On July 12, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Quiboloy, a close friend of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was still in the country, warning the wealthy pastor that the country “is getting smaller” for him.

“With how the police and the military operate, where are you going to hide now?” Abalos then said as he urged Quiboloy to surrender and face the charges.

On June 10, a third attempt by the Philippine National Police to arrest Quiboloy failed even with the simultaneous deployment of about a hundred officers who stormed three properties of the KOJC in Davao City.

Plans under way

Torre said the police knew that Quiboloy was inside the KOJC compound when they tried to serve the arrest warrant that day.

Plans are underway for another operation, he said, but the PNP would now also consider the safety and well-being of Quiboloy’s followers who are guarding the compound.

“We definitely do not want anyone to get hurt here,” he said, adding:

“We are concentrating on hammering into his head and his lawyers that the only way for this to be resolved peacefully and with justice for all is for him to submit to the jurisdiction of the court.”

4 choppers, 2 planes

According to Torre, the KOJC compound has a hangar for Quiboloy’s four private helicopters and two planes, which he could use to escape. It also has a private taxiway connected to Davao International Airport.

One of his helicopters was seen becoming “active” two weeks ago, but the PNP learned from Quiboloy’s camp that its engine was just being “warmed up.”

Quiboloy and five other co-accused are facing child abuse cases before the Davao City court, while the Pasig City court has issued an arrest warrant against him for human trafficking, a nonbailable offense.

The government has offered P10 million for his arrest.