DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A faulty intelligence report and a failed attempt to arrest fugitive church leader Apollo Quiboloy have led to a significant shakeup among the Philippine National Police (PNP) officials in the Davao region.
Sources close to Newsline have confirmed that the botched operation on June 10, aimed at capturing Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), resulted in a substantial reorganization within the ranks of both the Regional and City command of the PNP.
This major reshuffling followed the inability to apprehend Quiboloy despite targeted raids on his properties.
Reports have it, that Quiboloy’s camp is set to file charges against the police officers who were merely following orders.
Key Personnel Changes
Brigadier General Aligre L. Martinez, who had only been in his role since April 26 following the retirement of Brigadier General Alden Delvo, was relieved of his duties. His tenure in Davao Region lasted just 49 days.
Additionally, officials from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao City field unit and two Special Action Forces (SAF) personnel were also relieved and reassigned to the CALABARZON region.
Details of the Botched Operation
The operation on June 10 involved simultaneous raids on several of Quiboloy’s properties:
- KOJC Compound in Barangay Buhangin
- Prayer Mountain in Barangay Tamayong
- Joy Garden in Barangay Tamayong
These raids were executed by police units from the Caraga region, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen, not by Davao-based personnel, except for members of the CIDG Davao Field Office.
Despite the efforts, Quiboloy and five of his associates evaded capture, leading to speculation that they were either being hidden or had effectively concealed themselves.
Morale and Response Among Police
The aftermath of the failed operation has left many police officers in Davao demoralized. Speaking under the condition of anonymity, four PNP officials from the Davao Region expressed their frustration:
“We’re truly demoralized. We don’t know what’s next, but we have to follow the chain of command and orders, whatever it takes.” An officer told Newsline.
One officer noted the unusual composition of the operation teams, which included personnel from outside Davao, saying: “Almost all who operated on June 10 were not from Davao, except the CIDG Davao Field Office. Even those from other regions were affected, but still, they couldn’t find him. It means he’s either being hidden or he’s hiding well.”
Another officer added a critical note on Quiboloy’s claims: “Many have been affected because of Quiboloy’s case. If he claims to be innocent and the appointed son of God, he should save people as Jesus did.”
Leadership Transition
During the unfolding of these events, Brigadier General Martinez was reportedly in Samal Island following leads that Quiboloy might be hiding in his vacation house there. His relief order came out while he was away from the camp.
Martinez is set to be replaced by Brigadier General Nicolas D. Torre III, who previously resigned as the Quezon City Police District chief after a road rage incident involving a cyclist and a former cop.
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This leadership change showed the seriousness with which the PNP is treating the failed operation and its repercussions on their organizational integrity and operational effectiveness.
The public reaction to the PNP shakeup in Davao is a blend of support for accountability, concern for police effectiveness, skepticism about motivations, and worry over public safety. Moving forward, it will be essential for the PNP to not only address the immediate issues through personnel changes but also to engage in broader reforms to restore public confidence and ensure the effectiveness and morale of the police force.
