PNP believes Quiboloy still inside KOJC compound

Eleven days into its operation to serve arrest warrants against the fugitive preacher, the Davao regional police believe that Apollo Quiboloy is still inside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.

"Hanggang ngayon, naniniwala kami na nandyan siya. Tinatawanan kami. Sige lang. There is always time for everything. Darating at darating, mahuhuli rin natin yan. Just a matter of time," PRO 11 chief Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III said in a press conference.

(Until now, we believe that he is there. He is laughing at us. Go ahead. There is always time for everything. But sooner or later, we will catch him. It's just a matter of time.)

"Nandiyan siya sa loob at paikot-ikot lang dyan (He is inside the compound and just walking around there)," Torre added.

The police have been trying to implement arrest warrants against Quiboloy at the KOJC compound since August 24. The initial deployment was reportedly at around 2,000 cops.

However, KOJC legal counsel Israelito Torreon maintained Tuesday that Quiboloy was not inside the KOJC compound.

Moreover, Torreon said arrest warrants against Quiboloy are not enough to search the area.

"Kung may arrest warrant ka, kailangan nakita mo 'yung accussed na pumasok dun sa building. And of course, papasukin mo 'yung building and then magpaalam ka, announce your authority," Torreon said in a press conference.

(If you have an arrest warrant, you must have seen the accused enter the building. And of course, if you enter the building, ask permission and announce your authority.)

"Kung wala doon, hindi ka authorized ng batas na mag-conduct ng intrusive search. From Day 1, they have been conducting an intrusive search," he added.

(If the subject is not there, you are not authorized by law to conduct an intrusive search. From Day 1, they have been conducting an intrusive search.)

READ | TIMELINE: The search for KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy

Meanwhile, Torre said authorities found a room allegedly belonging to Quiboloy which was surrounded by more rooms for women. Minor girls were also found in the area, according to Torre.

"Meron tayong nakita doon na isang section na ngayon ay atin namang kino-coordinate sa ating tamang ahensya. May mga menor tayong nakita... 10- to 15-year old," Torre said.

(We saw a section there that wherein we saw minors... 10- to 15-year-old minors. We are now coordinating with the right agency on the matter.)

"Halos lahat ng building dyan ang mga nakatira ay mga babae. Si Apollo Quiboloy lang ang bukod tanging nakatira sa gitna ng mga babaeng ito," he added.

(Women live in almost all the buildings. Apollo Quiboloy is the only one living amongst them.)

According to Torre, he ordered around 60 police personnel, who are females as supposedly requested by the KOJC, to search the area. However, Torre said the KOJC only allowed 10.

Torre also called out those behind some alleged fake social media accounts and trolls who were sending threats to his wife and children.

"Ang nakalulungkot dito pati ang pamilya namin ay dinadamay pati ang pamilya ko. Ang asawa ko at anak ko ay pinapaulanan ng hate messages at threats sa social media ng fake accounts at mga trolls. Kagabi ay may direktang death threats na sa aking mga anak," Torre said.

(It is sad that our families are being dragged into this, including my family. My wife and children are bombarded with hate messages and threats on social media by fake accounts and trolls. Last night, there were direct death threats to my children.

Despite this, Torre said the police will continue its hunt for Quiboloy.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the KOJC regarding Torre's statement, but it has yet to respond as of posting time.

Arrest warrants were issued against Quiboloy and others for alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act as well as qualified human trafficking.

Quiboloy went into hiding shortly after the Senate issued an arrest order against him for refusing to attend the chamber's hearings.

He has also been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.

Quiboloy's camp has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. — VDV, GMA Integrated News