After 16 hours of searching, policemen found no trace of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and other accused at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.
Facing the press late evening on August 24, 2024, Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 Director Nicolas Torre III stood firm that the beleaguered pastor is just hiding in the compound, and that there are plans of sneaking him out.
“Andyan sa loob. Itatakas ngayong gabi,” he said.
“May mga informants kami dyan sa loob. Hindi lang talaga namin makita kasi ang ganda ng movements nila dyan sa loob,” he added.
He said the layout of the compound’s interior had made it difficult for his men to navigate the area. There are reportedly many entry and exit points that it was easy to get lost.
“Sa laki ng lugar, sa dami ng lusutan, kami mismo nagkakawala-wala… hindi naman alam talaga ang layout ng lugar… we could only do so much,” he said.
Torre said they have only scoured 1/4 of the area.
On using radar to spot the pastor, Torre said they are assessing how they can made the most of the technology.
“Tiningnan muna namin kung saan namin gagamitin. Nag-a-assess pa kami. Ngayon, pinag-aralan namin, based sa aming mga nagawa, titingnan namin kung saan kami gagamit ng radar,” he said.
He said earlier that they will not leave the compound until Quiboloy is arrested.
“Hindi pa tayo tapos. Andyan sa loob,” he said.
How the operation will end, Torre said, will depend largely on the pastor. He said there should be no reason for Quiboloy to be afraid because it was him who said that his case is weak, in the first place, and he has a battery of lawyers to defend him.
“Depende kay Mr. Quiboloy, eh, para matapos na ang lahat ng ito… matigil na ang kanyang mga tao… uulan na naman, maulanan ang mga tao nya, maulanan ang mga tao ko… eh… sumurender nalang sya. Sabi niya, mahina naman ang kaso… ang galing ng mga abogado nya, ang dami pa… anong kinatatakutan niya?” Torre said.
About 2,000 policemen were deployed for the operation.
As police searched and guarded the compound, KOJC members organized a worship service outside.
Senator Roland dela Rosa also arrived and entered the compound to speak with the police and KOJC officials. He said the police cannot prevent KOJC members from entering and leaving the compound, which is a private property.
Torre has instructed his men not to allow anyone into the compound without his permission.
Quiboloy is facing charges for alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. His co-accused are also facing charges for alleged violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
(Updates from GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)
