DILG: Secret hallways found at KOJC cathedral

Authorities have discovered secret hallways inside the cathedral of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in Davao City as they continued to look for its leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing criminal charges.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report in “24 Oras,” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said the undisclosed pathways led to the pastor's room.

The intricate design of the structure is said to have it more difficult for the police who are tasked to arrest Quiboloy, who is wanted for qualified human trafficking and child abuse.

"Napakahirap sa totoo lang. In fact, kinukuha natin ang plano mismo nito sa office ng engineering ng city ng Davao kung ito ay nakadeklara o hindi," Abalos said.

"Kasi kung hindi nakadeklara ito, it’s a violation. Kapag hindi naka-deklara lahat ng intricate things na ginawa at binuo na puwedeng pagtaguan,” he added.

(It’s very hard for us. In fact, we are now getting the plan of this site from Davao City’s engineering office to check if these were declared or not. Because if these are not declared, then there’s a violation. If all these intricate things were declared, these can be used for hiding.) 

Laser lights were also reportedly used against the police.

Further, a bolo knife was found beneath the sands and the fences have live wires on them. 

Authorities have also sensed heartbeats underground using a ground penetrating radar. Other modern technologies are also being used to look for the pastor, the report said. 

“Marami na tayong napuntahan without revealing the exact location, but we are confident na papalapit tayo doon sa kung saan yung exact location nung mga hinahanap po natin,” said Philippine National Police spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo. 

(We have already checked many areas without revealing the exact location, but we are confident that we are about to find their exact location.) 

The 74-year old self- proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" is facing charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and under Section 10(a) of the same act before a Quezon City court.

He is also facing a non-bailable Qualified Human Trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended before a Pasig court.

A reward worth P10 million is being offered for any information that will lead to the arrest of Quiboloy. —Vince Ferreras/NB, GMA Integrated News