PNP to coordinate with Quiboloy's camp for ‘peaceful’ arrest

The Philippine National Police will coordinate with the camp of Apollo Quiboloy for his ‘peaceful’  arrest’ after the Senate issued an arrest order for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader.

According to a 24 Oras report by Mav Gonzalez, authorities may arrest Quiboloy anytime, based on the arrest order released by the Senate.

"If the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms will ask the assistance of the PNP, of course, we will provide support, we will provide assistance," said Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos.

The authorities said they expect nothing untoward will happen during the arrest.

“Kung magresist po yung mga supporters niya, nakahanda naman po kami na walang mangyaring hindi maganda. Ang regional director namin, kakausapin niya ang side ni Pastor Quiboloy na maging peaceful ang effectivity ng arrest dahil ito po ay for him lang naman to appear sa Senate hearing,” said Police Major Catherine dela Rey, Spokesperson, Police Regional Office 11.

(If his supporters resist, we are prepared for any possibilities. Our regional director will talk to Pastor Quiboloy's side so the arrest would be peaceful because this is only for him to appear before the Senate hearing.)

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, said he is ready to provide assistance in serving the arrest warrant to the man he considers a friend, saying he believes Quiboloy would not resist.

“The most he can do magtatago kung ayaw magpahuli. Pero magresist, makipag giyera sa gobyerno, that’s far from how I know him. Hindi siya bayolente na tao,” he said.

(The most he can do is hide if he doesn't want to be caught. But if he resists and fights with the government, that's far from how I know him. He is not a violent person.)

Dela Rosa said that he is willing to give Quiboloy protection.

“Kung takot siya under threat buhay niya I can be his security. Just for him to be physically present in the hearing. Nandito ako walang pwedeng makapatay sayo,” he added.

(If he is afraid, his life is threatened, I can be his security. Just for him to be physically present at the hearing. I'm here so no one can kill you.)

Senator Robin Padilla said a petition before the Supreme Court could be a legal alternative for the pastor to appeal the arrest order issued by the Senate.

Ferdinand Topacio, Quiboloy's lawyer, however, said they have done everything to protect the KOJC head, but claim some powerful people are intent on persecuting his client.

Topacio said they are relying on the judiciary and trust that Quiboloy will be proven innocent.

Quiboloy is facing charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and cash smuggling.

A visit by GMA Integrated News at the KOJC compound in Davao City showed a normal level of security.

Although Quiboloy's whereabouts are currently unknown, he was recently seen in an online video with former president Rodrigo Duterte during an interview with some vloggers.—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News