Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Chief of the Davao Police Regional Office, has confirmed that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is still within the 30-hectare Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City.
Quiboloy is reportedly being shielded by his KOJC members, who are preventing authorities from apprehending him.
Torre emphasized that the police are avoiding the use of excessive force to gain entry into the compound. Despite their efforts, a previous attempt to forcibly enter the area on June 10 was unsuccessful.
Philippine National Police spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, acknowledged the challenges of searching for the said pastor within the vast compound. She explained that the process could take hours or even days to complete. Fajardo reiterated the plea for Quiboloy to surrender peacefully, emphasizing the importance of cooperating with ongoing investigations and avoiding any violent confrontations.
History of the Case
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God,” is the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, a religious organization based in the Philippines with millions of followers worldwide. Over the years, Quiboloy has been embroiled in various legal controversies, including accusations of human trafficking, rape, and other abuses.
In November 2021, Quiboloy was indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. The charges allege that he and several other church leaders recruited women and minors to work as “pastorals” and engage in sexual activities with Quiboloy under the threat of “eternal damnation.”
In response to these serious allegations, the Philippine Senate conducted an inquiry into Quiboloy’s activities and the operations of his religious organization. The inquiry sought to investigate the extent of his alleged wrongdoings, including human trafficking, labor exploitation, and other abuses. Several witnesses testified before the Senate, detailing the coercive practices allegedly employed by Quiboloy and his close associates to control and manipulate his followers.
The Senate inquiry, along with the U.S. indictment, has increased the pressure on Philippine authorities to act. Despite this, Quiboloy has continued to evade arrest, with his loyal followers reportedly obstructing efforts to bring him to justice. Multiple arrest warrants have been issued, but the situation remains delicate as authorities are cautious in their approach to avoid potential violence during his apprehension.