Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos has called on fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy to surrender and face charges of abuse and human trafficking. This comes as the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched search operations in the 30-hectare compound of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church on Saturday.
“Please naman, nanawagan ako at ito na pananawagan ng lahat, sumuko ka na,” Abalos urged, emphasizing the importance of due process. “You are deemed to be innocent until your guilt is proven in court. Pero may warrant tayo eh,” he added, referring to the arrest warrant against Quiboloy.
The operations, which involved around 2,000 police officers, were met with protests from church members and reports of intimidation and harassment of media personnel covering the event. The search has also intensified tensions between the Marcos and Duterte factions, further straining relations within the now-dissolved UniTeam Alliance.
Kingdom of Jesus Christ legal counsel Israelito Torreon has claimed there is a threat to Quiboloy’s life, citing concerns over “extraordinary rendition” to the United States, where Quiboloy faces additional charges. However, no evidence has been presented to support allegations of a conspiracy between the US and the Marcos Jr. administration.
Abalos has affirmed the PNP’s commitment to capturing Quiboloy, stating, “Pagod na pagod ng mga kapulisan, dami ng hamon ng sumampala sa kapulisan. And yet we are persistent in capturing Pastor Quiboloy.” He added that there is “no turning back” until Quiboloy is apprehended.
The search operations are ongoing, and PNP officials are still assessing how long they may take to conclude.