15-5-2024 (MANILA) In a high-profile case that has gripped the nation, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed on Monday that authorities in Davao continue to engage in negotiations with the legal counsel of Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious group, in hopes of securing his surrender. Over a month has passed since the Davao court issued the first set of warrants for Quiboloy’s arrest on charges of child and sexual abuse, yet the controversial televangelist remains elusive.
Despite extensive manhunt operations conducted by the NBI and the Philippine National Police’s Regional Office XI, Quiboloy has evaded capture, slipping through the net at his compound in Buhangin district, the Glory and Prayer Mountains in Barangay Tamayong, and other properties in Davao City and Samal Island.
NBI-Southeastern Mindanao director Archie Albao disclosed that Quiboloy’s co-accused – Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes – remain at large, facing charges of qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense.
“While ongoing ang manhunt operation ng NBI at PRO XI, ongoing din ang negotiation sa mga lawyers niya for his surrender. In the meantime, lahat ng mga properties niya ay meron tayong mga operatiba na nakatutok,” Albao stated, underscoring the parallel efforts to secure Quiboloy’s surrender through legal channels while maintaining surveillance over his properties.
Reports of Quiboloy’s helicopter being sighted flying over his properties have fueled speculation, but the police Aviation Security Group has yet to confirm any sightings of the fugitive pastor himself. When questioned about the purpose of these aerial maneuvers, Albao suggested they could be routine maintenance flights.
“When we checked that kind of activity, they said it is routinary. Lumilipad from time to time doon sa mga property,” he explained.
The authorities are currently awaiting the issuance of alias warrants of arrest, as the initial warrants expired 10 days after their issuance by the court. Albao provided an update on the ongoing efforts, stating, “Yung 5 firearms na-surrender na dito sa PRO XI. On the other hand, naga-work out na rin ang cancelation ng passport. Yung iba pang firearms, chine-check namin kasama yung kapulisan and CIDG. Sana i-surrender na rin kasi there are 19 firearms originally registered under his name.”
As the manhunt intensifies and negotiations continue, the case of Apollo Quiboloy has captured the attention of the nation, raising questions about the accountability of powerful religious figures and the extent to which they may be held answerable to the law.
