Doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy did not willingly surrender to authorities but was forced to emerge as police were closing in, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed on Monday, September 9.
“Ang sabi niya (Quiboloy) ‘yung mga followers niya, magpapakamatay para sa kanya at ayaw niyang mangyari ‘yon,” Marcos said in an ambush interview with reporters. The President explained that Quiboloy, fearing for his followers’ safety, decided to come out.
The operation was a “police action” supported by the military to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP), which had been stationed outside Quiboloy’s compound since late August. Marcos praised the execution of the operation, stating, “This is how it should be done, you can do this without hurting anyone, you can do this without shooting anyone. That is what police work is meant to be and this is police work at its best.”
Despite claims from Quiboloy’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, that the preacher voluntarily surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Marcos made it clear this was not the case.
Quiboloy, who has been wanted since 2004 for charges of child and sexual abuse, is now in police custody and was flown to Manila. Marcos emphasized that Quiboloy will not receive special treatment and will be treated like any other person arrested.
“We now leave Mr. Quiboloy to the judiciary,” Marcos said, underscoring the legal process ahead for the preacher, who also faces charges in the United States.