Detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)
MANILA, Philippines — The motion to have detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy transferred to the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial facility is under reconsideration due to unfavorable “political air,” his lawyer said on Monday.
Atty. Israelito Torreon was referring to their motion for reconsideration moving to get Quiboloy transferred back to the PNP Custodial Facility during his trials after he was sent to the Pasig City Jail.
“We might be wasting a lot of paper if we insist on our [motion]. Ang sa amin naman ‘yung security niya (what matters to us is his security). We felt before that he would be more secure in Camp Crame given the security threats against him,” said Torreon in a chance interview after attending a preliminary investigation on mischief complaints filed by former president Rodrigo Duterte against former Interior Sec. Benhur Abalos Jr. and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.
When asked if the sense of “security” they preferred in the PNP has changed, Torreon responded in the negative, asserting that: “We still do. But knowing that, you know, the political air is not for us, it might be useless for us to insist on what we think is right for him.”
“So might as well go with the tide and persevere and overcome,” he added.
Prior to being transferred to the Pasig City Jail, Quiboloy was first granted medical furlough, allowing him to stay at the Philippine Heart Center until Nov. 27.
He stayed at the hospital supposedly for medical tests as well as dental issues.
Quiboloy has been a long-time ally of the Dutertes, and is currently facing child abuse and human trafficking cases before the Quezon City and Pasig City courts, respectively.
Apart from his cases in the country, Quiboloy is also facing several criminal charges in the US, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and bulk cash smuggling.