CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines, September 9 ------ Doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy is finally in the hands of authorities, Sunday, September 8, ending a grueling manhunt inside the vast Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property in Davao City.
He was flown from Davao to Manila and brought to the Philippine National Police custodial facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Sunday evening. His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, said in a statement: “Based on reliable information, our client, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, voluntarily surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces, or ISAFP.”
Earlier, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos posted on Facebook and broke the news about Quiboloy’s supposed arrest. “Nahuli na po si Apollo Quiboloy”, Abalos said. Whether Quiboloy was arrested or whether he surrendered has become a point of contention online, as details continue to trickle in. Topacio took aim at Abalos, saying, “He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government]. Therefore, it is epal (attention-seeking) to the highest level for Sec. Abalos to be seemingly taking credit for the non-existent arrest.”
Soon after Abalos’ announcement of the supposed arrest, Davao region police director Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III told Radyo 630, “I really don’t know the details. Pakitanong si DILG chief [Abalos]. Siya ang nakakaalam sa mga detalye. Senator Risa Hontiveros, in her statement, said: “Mananagot ka, Apollo Quiboloy… We commend our law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts and dedication, despite Quiboloy’s tactics. Magpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Senado para matuldukan ang sistematikong pang-aabuso sa mga pinakabulnerable sa lipunan.”
Negotiations began past noon, PNP says
The PNP held a press conference livestreamed on its Facebook page at 10:30 pm, providing details on Quiboloy’s surrender. PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said Quiboloy surrendered at 5:30 pm and was flown from Davao City by 6:30 pm via a C-130 plane. She told the media that negotiations began 1:30 pm with authorities giving suspects an ultimatum to surrender within 24 hours. “Nagbigay po ang PNP ng ultimatum na sumuko po sila (Quiboloy) otherwise, ay papasukin na po natin yong isang particular na building na hindi po tayo pinapayagang pumasok, so nagkaroon ng negotiation ang PNP na kinatawan ng intelligence group at ISAFP — pinagtulungan po ito that led to the peaceful surrender nina Pastor Quiboloy at apat pa,”” Fajardo said.
Fajardo confirmed that they got Quiboloy from inside the KOJC compound, and that it was a joint effort by the PNP and AFP. The suspects arrived at the custodial facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City at 9:10 pm where they underwent booking procedures and medical examinations. Earlier, Davao Police Regional Director Nicolas Torre announced the pull out of troops from the KOJC compound, saying “Tapos na ang trabaho”.
Four-month hunt
Quiboloy’s capture concluded a four-month hunt for the elusive preacher, who faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse, and qualified trafficking in two separate courts. The courts issued arrest warrants in April for Quiboloy and five of his followers: siblings Ingrid, Cresente, and Paulene Canada; Jackielyn Roy; and Sylvia Cemañes. Police arrested Paulene, identified as a former KOJC finance officer, in Davao in July. Authorities repeatedly attempted to arrest Quiboloy and the other fugitives at his known properties in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani but were unsuccessful until the recent operation.
Some 2,000 cops — later reinforced by over 1,000 police personnel from various regions — stormed the KOJC compound in Buhangin before the first light of day on August 24. Thousands of Quiboloy supporters took to the streets the following afternoon, continuing their protest against what they called the “siege” until Monday afternoon, August 26, when outnumbered police breached the barricades, dispersed the crowd, dismantled the makeshift stage, removed roadblocks, and arrested more than a dozen KOJC members.
Police remained on the property and continued their search for Quiboloy despite a temporary protection order issued by Judge Mario Duaves of the Davao Regional Trial Court’s 15th branch on Tuesday, August 27. The court ordered police to remove all barriers obstructing the movement of Quiboloy’s followers in and out of the KOJC property and to refrain from infringing on civil liberties. However, the court also stated that the protection order coexisted with the arrest warrants — a clause authorities used to justify the prolonged search at the KOJC property.
On September 5, the Court of Appeals declared the temporary protection order for KOJC null and void. More than 100 people were hurt during the standoff. Police reported 60 officers were wounded, while KOJC lawyer Israelito Torreon claimed at least 54 of Quiboloy’s followers were injured or suffered heart and anxiety attacks and were taken to a hospital. Since August 24, police have arrested and filed complaints against 29 KOJC members for obstruction of justice and assaulting authorities.
Source: rappler.com
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