Authorities take custody of Quiboloy

Metro Manila, Philippines – Wanted religious leader and fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is now with authorities after two weeks in hiding.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo said Quiboloy and four others surrendered at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Authorities transported them from Davao to Manila.

“Dahil binigyan po natin sila ng ultimatum na within 24 hours po ay kailangan po nilang sumuko. Nagkaroon po ng negotiation,” Fajardo told reporters.

[Translation: We gave them an ultimatum that they need to surrender within 24 hours. We had a negotiation.]

Quiboloy and the four others are at the PNP Custodial Facility in Camp Crame Quezon City as of posting time.

Interior Secretary Benhur initially announced that the pastor was arrested as he shared a photo of Quiboloy together with his legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon.

Ferdinand Topacio, another legal counsel of Quiboloy, however said the religious leader surrendered.

“He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government),” Topacio said in a statement.

In another statement, Hontiveros warned the religious leader that he cannot outrun the law. She also vowed the senate probe on Quiboloy will continue.

“Bilang na ang araw ng tulad nilang naghahari-harian, nambabastos sa batas, at nang-aabuso sa kababaihan, kabataan, at kapwa nating Pilipino,” she said.

[Translation: The days are numbered for those who act like they’re above the law, disrespect the rules, and abuse women, youth, and fellow Filipinos]

In separate statements, opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives called for accountability.

“The arrest of Apollo Quiboloy must lead to his full accountability before the law. The charges against him, both in the United States and the Philippines, are grave and demand thorough investigation and prosecution,” ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said.

“[T]e government must not only focus on Quiboloy but also investigate those who aided him during his time in hiding. This includes a thorough investigation into any possible involvement of individuals in positions of power who may have shielded him from accountability,” Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said.

Police forces had been attempting to serve the arrest warrant on Quiboloy since Aug. 24.

The wanted pastor is facing charges related to human trafficking, sexual and child abuse, among others.

He is also wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for labor and sex crimes.