The authorities finally apprehended the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who has been wanted for various cases of child abuse and human trafficking, after he surrendered to the joint forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

[Interview with PNP Spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo]

Reports indicate that Quiboloy surrendered to Major General Edmundo Peralta, commander of the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) on September 8, 2024. A photo posted by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos announcing Quiboloy's arrest included KOJC's legal counsel, Israelito Torreon.

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(Photo posted on the Facebook page of DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos. Quiboloy is pictured with KOJC chief legal counsel Israelito Torreon)

According to Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, the PNP's spokesperson, a negotiation took place around 1:30 PM involving Quiboloy, his lawyer, and the AFP and PNP. Quiboloy and several of his associates involved in similar cases were apprehended at one of 42 buildings within the KOJC compound around 5:30 PM.

"We gave them a 24-hour ultimatum to surrender, followed by negotiation. Otherwise, we were ready to enter a particular building which we were previously denied entry. A negotiation took place between the PNP represented by the Intelligence Group and ISAFP. Their combined efforts led to the peaceful surrender of Pastor Quiboloy and four others," Fajardo stated.

Personnel from PNP Region 11 had been patiently keeping watch at the KOJC compound in Davao City for half a month to serve the arrest warrant against Quiboloy and the likes of Jackielyn Roy, Ingrid Canada, Cresente Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes due to charges of violating section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, as well as under section 10 (a) of the same law.

The accused also face charges of human trafficking under section 4 (a) of Republic Act Number 9208, a non-bailable offense. The case has been filed in a court in Pasig.

In an earlier interview with Brig. General Nicholas Torre, head of PNP Region 11 who served the warrant of arrest to Quiboloy and his associates at the KOJC Compound in Davao City, he confirmed their suspicion that the KOJC founder was merely in Davao. He also expressed gratitude that Quiboloy finally realized that it was time to come out.

Quiboloy and the fellow accused were flown by the ISAFP on a C-130 plane from Davao to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. A convoy of nine vehicles reportedly fetched Quiboloy at his private airplane hangar and then transported him to the C-130 plane waiting for him at the Tactical Operations Group XI of the Philippine Air Force.

They were transferred to the custody of the PNP and underwent the booking process and mugshots at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Quiboloy's group is now at the Camp Crame Custodial Center.

In addition to facing charges in the country, Quiboloy is also accused of sex trafficking of children, fraud and coercion, and bulk cash smuggling in the United States.