Davao del Norte Govenor Edwin Jubahib has helped facilitate the negotiation for the surrender of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

In an interview, Jubahib said he bridged communication between the board of directors of KOJC, including legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon, and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

He said the negotiation started on August 30, 2024, and the series of dialogues between the camp of KOJC and ISAFP took place in Davao City.

Jubahib said dialogues were conducted around seven times until trust between the two parties was established.

“Nong succeeding na tumatawag sila sa akin na matulungan namakipag-dialogue sa Philippine Army, don ako nag-umpisa nagumawa ng hakbang… nilapitan ko ang assigned battalion commander sa 60IB at sinabi ko na mayroon isang confidential dialogue na gusto ng board of directors ng KOJC. Dun nag-umpisa na nag-facilitate po tayo na mag-usap po sila,” Jubahib said.

The day before Quiboloy decided to turn himself in on Sunday, September 8, 2024, it was agreed that the board of directors will bring Quiboloy to a place where he will be fetched by ISAFP.

It was also agreed during the dialogue that other government units will only be informed that Quiboloy has surrendered when he is already secured by ISAFP.

Jubahib clarified that he has no personal connection with Quiboloy, but Torreon was his legal counsel when he was suspended for three months for administrative complaints.

“Parang naging instrument lang tayo dito at pasalamat tayo, at least nawakasan na yung heavy conflict nangyari sa Davao City and alam naman natin ang dami ng na-sacrifice for that situation. Hangad lang natin naman kung anong maitulong natin para sa kapayaan ng ating bayan,” Jubahib said.

Quiboloy is now with authorities after 16 days of police operations at the KOJC compound.

After the surrender, Quiboloy and his co-accused were flown to Manila and were taken to Camp Crame.

Quiboloy is facing charges for alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act (RA 7610) and human trafficking.

(With reports from Jandi Esteban, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)