Quiboloy in custody

MANILA, Philippines — After months of hiding and two weeks of intensified manhunt operations, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founding leader Apollo Quiboloy is finally in government custody.

“Apollo Quiboloy already arrested,” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos posted on Facebook.

Amid questions on whether Quiboloy surrendered or was arrested, Abalos told The STAR in a text message: “(The police) already got Quiboloy.”

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief posted a photograph of Quiboloy clad in a black shirt, a scarf and bull cap.

Quiboloy was with KOJC chief legal counsel Israelito Torreon in the photo.

Abalos did not give other details on how Quiboloy was captured.

The fugitive preacher decided to surface after Philippine National Police (PNP) members raided the KOJC compound in Davao City, according to Abalos.

“He decided to surrender as he is feeling the heat now,” Abalos said.

Before Quiboloy’s capture, Abalos had hinted that police were close to arresting the self-styled son of God.

The DILG chief earlier defended the PNP’s decision not to vacate the KOJC’s 30-hectare property.

“At this point, we have a warrant of arrest. The goal is simple: to get Pastor Quiboloy,” Abalos said.

He maintained that they have not received any intelligence report indicating that Quiboloy is abroad or hiding in other parts of the country.

Quiboloy is facing labor and sex trafficking charges in the United States.

He is also the subject of three arrest warrants in the Philippines, including one issued by the Senate.

President Marcos has junked the condition set by Quiboloy’s camp that the televangelist would surface if there is a “written declaration” that he would not be turned over to the US for “extraordinary rendition.”

Meanwhile, PNP Regional Office XI director Brig. Nicolas Torre III refused to say whether Quiboloy was arrested by authorities or surrendered at the KOJC compound early last night.

Torre instead referred the matter to Abalos, who earlier posted on social media about Quiboloy’s “arrest.”

Sources said it was Torreon who facilitated Quiboloy’s “surrender” to military intelligence agents.

A convoy of nine vehicles reportedly picked up