DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Hundreds of police personnel from the joint forces of the Philippine National Police conducted coordinated raids on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Compound in Buhangin and Glory Mountain in Tamayong, Calinan district, to apprehend Apollo Quiboloy, who was reportedly in hiding dawn of June 10.
The protesting members were greeted the police with water cannons at the gate during the early morning attempt to enter the KOJC compound but later were allowed access even to his private hangar.
Images released by SMNI News showed police personnel in full battle gear, including members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Civil Disturbance Management Unit prepared with shields and helmets.
In an interview with SMNI News, Eleanor Cardona, the executive secretary of KOJC, expressed readiness to confront the situation, stating, “We are ready to fight and will not back down.”
According to the official statement from the Police Regional Office XI, law enforcement officers were executing court-issued arrest warrants against Quiboloy.
The joint forces encountered resistance from Quiboloy’s associates upon arrival at the KOJC compound in Buhangin around 4:40 AM.
Two Philippine National Police helicopters were reported to have landed inside the vast KOJC Compound.
Subsequently, Quiboloy’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon, engaged in discussions with the police, permitting only a limited number of officers to enter the premises, while police vehicles were denied entry.
Torreon in a facebook live selfie video stated “Akala ko may Search warrant, parang wala pala.”
Almost at the same time, busloads of PNP personnel also converged on Glory Mountain to arrest Quiboloy.
The warrants pertain to a series of criminal charges against Quiboloy and five others: 1. Crim Case No. R-DVO-24-01439-CR for acts of child abuse under Section 10(A) of Republic Act No. 7610. 2. Crim Case No. R-DVO-24-01440-CR for sexual abuse under Section 5 of Republic Act 7810. 3. Crim Case No. R-PSG-24-00777-CR and R-PSG-24-00778-CR for violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2000, pending before the respective courts.
The PNP emphasized that their actions were a response to the outcome of a thorough investigation into the alleged criminal activities involving Quiboloy and his associates.
Motorists also noted that the main gate of Camp Captain Sgt, Quintin Merecido of the PNP XI in Camp Catitipan is closed.
They underscored their commitment to upholding the rule of law and urged supporters and followers of KOJC to remain calm and cooperate with the legal proceedings. The authorities reassured the public that their actions were under lawful court orders and due process in addressing the serious charges.
Reactions from the public varied, with some advocating for Quiboloy to surrender and face the charges if innocent. In contrast, others expressed concerns over the government’s perceived use of excessive force during the arrest operation.
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