KOJC Leader Apollo Quiboloy Surrenders to Authorities Amidst Nationwide Search

Apollo Quiboloy, a wanted leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), has turned himself in to authorities, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced on Sunday evening.

📷 Benhur Abalos | Facebook

In a Facebook post, Abalos captioned an image of Quiboloy with his lawyer, Israelito Torreon, "Nahuli na si Pastor Quiboloy!""Apollo Quiboloy, the fugitive leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), has surrendered to authorities," Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced on Sunday evening.

Abalos told GMA Integrated News that Quiboloy was discovered inside the KOJC facility in Davao City at around 6 p.m., where police had been searching since August 24.

Lieutenant General Luis Bergante, Commander of Eastern Mindanao, stated to GMA Regional TV that Quiboloy turned himself in to the Philippine Armed Forces Intelligence Service (ISAFP).

Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, an AFP spokesperson, revealed that the Armed Forces backed the Philippine National Police (PNP) throughout the operation. "Our role has been purely in support of the PNP's efforts in serving the warrant. As this is primarily a police operation, we defer to the PNP for further details and updates," she informed us.

However, Ferdinand Topacio, another lawyer who represents Quiboloy, confirmed that the religious leader freely surrendered to ISAFP. In a statement, Topacio stated, "He was not detained, especially not by the PNP under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). It is improper for Secretary Abalos to appear to be taking credit for an arrest that did not occur.

Quiboloy was transported by plane to Metro Manila and transferred to the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. In a press conference, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo stated that Quiboloy surrendered after the PNP gave an ultimatum for him to turn himself in within 24 hours.

✎_____________________  

Sources/Credits: Benhur Abalos | Facebook / KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy caught (msn.com) 

GMA Integrated News

📹