PNP mulls additional reward for Quiboloy’s arrest

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering giving a reward to anyone who can provide a tip that could lead to the arrest of embattled televangelist Apollo Quiboloy. 

“Pinag-iisipan po yan ng PNP na maglabas din ng reward with respect to this case. Pero kailangan kasi dumaan sa proseso yan in terms of auditing, in terms of budgetary rules and guidelines,” said PNP spokesperson P/Colonel Jean Fajardo in Jun Veneracion’s report in 24 Oras on Thursday. 

(The PNP is also thinking about giving a reward with respect to this case. But that needs to undergo the right process in terms of auditing, in terms of budgetary rules and guidelines.)

The PNP has received several calls regarding the possible whereabouts of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced a bounty of P10 million for Quiboloy's arrest.

However, the police said they are being careful with all the information they have been receiving.

“Baka meron diyan na talagang tatawag para lang iligaw yung ating mga imbestigador at ating mga operatiba. That is why we are carefully validating the information,” said Fajardo.

(There might be callers who just want to confuse our investigators and operatives. That is why we are carefully validating the information.)

Aside from Quiboloy, a reward of P1 million each is also being offered for the religious leader’s other five co-accused.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said the rewards came from private citizens. But the pastor’s camp questioned the motives of individuals for offering such amounts of money.

Further, the PNP is verifying reports that Quiboloy could be in China. But there are indications the Davao City-based preacher is still in the Philippines.

“Meron din po siyang resources, meron din siyang mga supporters kaya nga patuloy yung ating pag-apela kay Pastor Quiboloy at sa lima pang akusado na sana let us spare particularly yung ating mga supporters, ang ating mga mahal sa buhay,” said Fajardo.

(He has resources and supporters, that’s why we continue our appeal to Pastor Quiboloy and to the five other accused to spare their supporters and loved ones.) 

The police raided several properties owned by KOJC in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani last month to serve an arrest warrant to the controversial televangelist.

Quiboloy went into hiding shortly after the Senate issued an arrest order against him.

The 74-year old self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" is facing charges that include child prostitution, sexual abuse, human trafficking and acts of neglect, abuse, cruelty or exploitation. —Vince Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News