Manhunt for Quiboloy continues
DAVAO CITY — Police on Thursday, April 4, continued the manhunt against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdon of Jesus Christ, who had been served a warrant of arrest for the sexual and child abuse cases filed against him.
Law enforcers on Wednesday, April 3, served the arrest warrants issued by a Regional Trial Court here against Quiboloy.
Also included in the arrest warrants were his five associates.
A video footage from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) showed the NBI and Davao police personnel proceeding to the KOJC headquarters in Buhangin District to serve the warrants.
Quiboloy, however, was not around.
The NBI said they could not locate the pastor at three distinct sites: His resort on Samal Island, the school he oversees in Buhangin, and his lavish prayer mountain in Barangay Tamayong. Quiboloy owns these properties or by the KOJC.
But the NBI nabbed Quiboloy’s church associate Cresente Canada, chairman of Barangay Tamayong. Two other accused, Pauline Canada and Sylvia Cemañes, surrendered to authorities.
Two more accused linked to Quiboloy – Ingrid Canada and Jackielyn Roy – turned themselves in to the NBI here on Thursday. Ingrid is the sister of Cresente and Paulene.
Pro-davao chief Police Brig. Gen. Alden Delvo said they will continue their search against Quiboloy and two other accused.
Speaking at the Armed Forcesphilippine National Police press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Police Regional Office (Pro)-davao spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey confirmed that there was an order to arrest Quiboloy.
Dela Rey said the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-arms of the Philippines has requested the Philippine National Police national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City to direct the Pro-davao to assist them in ensuring the safety and security of Quiboloy and the other accused.
“Positively andito siya (Pastor Quiboloy) sa Davao based on the issued arrest warrant and reports na nababasa ko online. But as to his whereabouts, we do not have any idea,” Dela Rey said, adding that police here are awaiting further instructions on the matter.
Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, had earlier stated their intention to utilize all legal avenues available and consequently abstain from providing detailed remarks on the mentioned matters as a mark of deference to the Judiciary.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 12 here ordered on Monday, April 1, the arrest of the pastor and five other individuals for violation of the Republic Act (RA) 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
“Upon a judicious examination and perusal of the Information, the records of the preliminary investigation, including the affidavits and written statements, and other attachments to the Information, the Court finds probable cause to issue Warrant of Arrest,” the court said.
Quiboloy has been under scrutiny in a public inquiry by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality headed by Deputy Minority Leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros. The inquiry revolves around allegations on human trafficking, rape, and sexual abuse.