2,000 cops execute arrest warrant against Apollo Quiboloy at KOJC compound
Around 2,000 police officers stormed Apollo Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City to serve an arrest warrant against the alleged human trafficker and sex offender.
According to The Philippine STAR, a 50-year-old male member of KOJC succumbed to a heart attack during the raid conducted by Philippine National Police personnel for Quiboloy and his co-accused at the said compound in Buhangin, Davao City on Saturday, Aug. 24.
KOJC Minister Carlo Catiil said that several other members had also collapsed inside the compound, while four others have been rushed to the hospital.
The officers, led by Police Regional Office-11 chief Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre II, had been stationed outside the 30-hectare property since before dawn. They eventually stormed the compound at around 5:00 a.m. to try to find and apprehend the religious group’s fugitive leader.
As of writing, however, Quiboloy and the other co-accused—Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes—continue to evade capture. Only Paulene Canada has been arrested so far.
In an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo, PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said the raid had long been planned after they received information that Quiboloy is hiding within the compound and his co-accused.
"This time around, hindi tayo titigil hangga't masilip at ma-inspect natin ang bawat sulok ng KOJC compound," Fajardo said, noting that the officers are practicing maximum tolerance and restraint with the KOJC members.
"Hindi ito operation against KOJC na gustong palabasin ng iilan. Ito ay operation laban sa apat na fugitive from justice. Hindi ito pagpigil sa religious freedom ng mga KOJC. Ito ay implementation ng mga warrant of arrest na inissue ng ating mga korte," Fajardo clarified.
Courts in Davao and Pasig issued arrest orders against Quiboloy and his associates for sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse, and qualified trafficking.
A Senate committee headed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros also issued an arrest order against Quiboloy after he refused to attend Senate hearings on his alleged crimes.
During the hearings, KOJC members came forward with stories of abuse, including minors being forced to give sexual services to Quiboloy. They were also allegedly coerced to beg for money from strangers.
Quiboloy has since maintained that the cases filed against him are trumped up. He also claimed that there were threats to his life while he's in hiding.
