The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) has clarified the reasons behind the surrender of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
According to KOJC Chief Legal Counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, Quiboloy decided to surrender to prevent further violence within the church compound in Davao City.
Torreon described the act as an “ultimate sacrifice,” as Quiboloy could no longer bear seeing his followers suffer during the standoff.
Quiboloy was reportedly distressed by the police presence, which had turned the KOJC compound into what resembled a “police garrison” after the search warrant was served.
Faced with this, Quiboloy voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Quiboloy is wanted in the United States for charges of sex trafficking, fraud, and other crimes.
He also faces warrants of arrest from the Philippine Senate for failure to attend hearings on abuse allegations within KOJC and from two courts for child sexual abuse and human trafficking charges.
At present, he is in PNP custody at their custodial facility.
PNP Spokesperson P/Col. Jean Fajardo earlier stated that Quiboloy, along with his co-accused, surrendered after the PNP issued an ultimatum, threatening to enter a building where police were previously barred from entering.
The peaceful surrender was achieved through negotiations involving the PNP, an intelligence group, and the ISAFP. Quiboloy and four others were located inside the KOJC compound.