MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Wednesday called on fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to come out of hiding and face the court to address the allegations against him.
“Kung talagang wala siyang kasalanan, harapin niya ‘to at huwag siyang matakot dito,” Abalos said in a chance interview in General Trias, Cavite.
(If he is truly innocent, let him face it; don’t be afraid of it.)
“Para matapos na lahat, let’s face the court, Pastor Quiboloy,” he added.
(To put an end to everything, let’s face the court, Pastor Quiboloy.)
According to Abalos, it is now high time for Quiboloy to defend himself in court and explain his version of what happened.
“Now it’s time to tell the people your version of what really happened and let the Philippine legal system take its course,” he said.
He then appealed to members of the Quiboloy-led Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) to remain calm and be “respectful.”
“Ito lang po ang aking pakiusap. Alam kong may kanya-kanya po tayong paniniwala. But, you know, let’s give this respect to one another. Ito lang po ang sa akin. Sana mas umiral na maging mahinahon po ang lahat,” he said.
(This is my only request. I know we have our own beliefs. But, you know, let’s give this respect to one another. I wish there would be more peace for everyone.)
READ: DILG to clarify Quiboloy court protection order; hunt continues
Quiboloy still in KJC compound?
Meanwhile, Abalos also revealed that there are “strong indications” that Quiboloy is still within the KJC compound.
“Without compromising yung operations ng pulis, malakas ang indications na nandun,” said Abalos.
(Without compromising police operations, the indications that Quiboloy is in the compound are strong.)
“In fact, marami na kaming tao at mga makina doon that we’re using para mahanap niya both above ground and underground. Lahat po ito, ginagawa po ito,” he added.
(In fact, we have many people and machines we’re using to find him both above ground and underground. We’re doing all these things.)
Quiboloy is facing child abuse cases before a Davao City court, as well as a standing arrest warrant for human trafficking issued by a Pasig City court.
Refusing to answer the cases, Quiboloy remains in hiding, with the Davao Police Regional Office saying he is believed to be hiding inside the KJC compound in Davao City.