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Arrest of Apollo Quiboloy

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Coordinates: 7°08′00″N 125°38′42″E / 7.1334°N 125.6450°E / 7.1334; 125.6450
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Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound standoff
DateAugust 24, 2024 – present
Location
Catitipan, Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines

7°08′00″N 125°38′42″E / 7.1334°N 125.6450°E / 7.1334; 125.6450
Caused by
GoalsArrest of:
Resulted in
  • Several KOJC properties within Davao City raided by police since June[3]
  • Forced entry of police inside the main KOJC compound
  • Protest rally by members of KOJC
  • Clashes between police and members of KOJC
Parties
Lead figures
Number
2,000[5]–3,000[6] policemen
400–1,000 Army soldiers[7]
1,000[8]–5,000[9] KOJC members
Casualties and losses
60 police officers wounded[1]
1 reported dead[10]
18 arrested[11]
Several members wounded
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound is located in Mindanao
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound
Location within Mindanao
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound is located in Philippines
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound (Philippines)

On August 24, 2024, a standoff began at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Catitipan, Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) attempted to serve an arrest warrant against Apollo Quiboloy, the founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, on charges of sexual misconduct.[12][13] Four other associates, namely Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Cemañes and Jackielyn Roy, are also included in the arrest warrant on charges of child abuse.[1][2] At present, Quiboloy is believed to have hidden himself and other associates within the premises of the KOJC compound, where the KJC King Dome and Jose Maria College are located. Members of the KOJC gathered that same night to express solidarity with Quiboloy and to protest the attempts to arrest him.[14]

The standoff resulted in clashes, leading to several wounded on both sides. Within the first 24 hours of the raid, one KOJC member died from a heart attack. Former president Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent vice president Sara Duterte expressed negative sentiments toward the raid, with the latter attending a KOJC-organized event within the compound and separately suggesting that the PNP's "extraordinary" actions are political in nature. Police authorities, however, explained that the PNP is simply serving an arrest warrant, with the large number of policemen serving to cover the vast area of the compound.[15][16]

Background

Main article: Apollo Quiboloy
Main article: Kingdom of Jesus Christ (church)

Apollo Quiboloy founded the Restorationist Christian denomination Kingdom of Jesus Christ on September 1, 1985, in Davao City,[17] naming himself its Executive Pastor and claiming to be the "Appointed Son of God". Since then, the congregation has grown into a global religious organization claiming as many as 6 million members and adherents worldwide.[13]

In November 2021, Quiboloy along with other members of KOJC was charged by a court based in Los Angeles, United States of sexual misconduct involving minors, human trafficking, and fraud.[18]

Events

Prior events

Quiboloy had been charged with alleged child abuse under Republic Act No. 7610 before a Quezon City court; and qualified human trafficking under RA No. 9208, as amended before a Pasig court. A ₱10 million reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.[19] Siblings Sylvia and Cresente Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Sylvia Cemañes, and Paulene Canada, had been charged as well; the latter was later arrested in July.[10] Meanwhile, Quiboloy had refused to attend hearings by the Senate, which in turn issued an arrest order. He went into hiding shortly after.[20] Leader Nicolas Torre stated that the police will be willing to serve arrest without any casualty if Quiboloy surrenders.[21]

Police operation and standoff

At the early morning of August 24, some 2,000 police officers, led by Davao Region police chief Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, initiated the search in the 30-hectare KOJC compound, situated near Francisco Bangoy International Airport, in an attempt to search Quiboloy and four others. Torre said that based on their informants, the subject's movements inside the compound are well-planned, making the search difficult. The property has a complex infrastructure that includes underground facilities. He also said the police familiarized first with the property for future searches.[10]

During the operation, several others were hospitalized, apparently due to trauma; at least sixteen, including four children, reportedly passed out. A male church member suffered cardiac arrest which, according to PNP–Davao Region, had been acting as a watchtower at the back of the compound for days without sleep. He was shortly pronounced dead on arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.[10][22] Quiboloy's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, said that the group searched the property at least thrice, and the KOJC's school, the Jose Maria College, seven times, but with no results.[10]

Police later set up a roadblock outside the compound. The authorities, according to Senator Ronald dela Rosa who visited the area, had detected a "heartbeat" underground using a specialized detector.[10] At night, upon Torre's order for further searches, another contingent of police officers entered the premises.[10]

On the evening of August 25, KOJC members and Quiboloy's supporters gathered in front of the compound, at the airport road, to protest the police search,[19] and burned tires at the road in retaliation to the police's alleged use of tear gas against them.[20] The protesters set up a barricade at the diversion road. Before 3:00 p.m. the following day, the police gave them an ultimatum thrice to disperse peacefully to open the road to motorists, which the latter refused. This resulted in a violent confrontation, ending with the arrest of eighteen KOJC members, all now facing complaints of obstruction of justice.[23] The protesters blocked a portion of the Carlos P. Garcia National Highway outside of the KOJC property.[24] One supporter also brings a megaphone to defend Quiboloy's activities.[25] Supporters also blocked the reporter's equipments, trying to cover the ongoing rally. The protesters also urged the reporters to leave, shouting "Paid media" and "biased".[26] Journalist Editha Z. Caduaya, publisher of NewsLine in Mindanao, argued with the protesters: "You were shouting for help from the media. Now that we're here, you're yelling at us that we're the paid ones… You've been throwing things at us! It's wrong!"[4][27]

On August 27, the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 15 issued a temporary protection order to the KOJC, directing the Philippine National Police to cease actions that threatening the KOJC members' safety and security, and instructing the removal of all obstructions to access to and from the compound.[28] Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Benhur Abalos said that the police search will continue to serve the warrant in the premises, and their plan to file a clarification with the court regarding the order.[29] On the same day, PNP Public Information Office Chief and spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo admitted that due to the large size of the compound and the lack of a blueprint to guide the police, it is likely they have yet to cover half of the compound's total area.[30] According to CNN, 2,000 police officers are still searching the compound.[31]

On August 30, 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte visited the wake of KOJC member Edwin E. Cababat who died from a heart attack while manning a watchtower during the first day of the standoff.[32]

On September 1, 2024, the KOJC organized an event at the compound commemorating its 39th anniversary, with Vice President Sara Duterte attending the event and expressing her support for the church while repeating her apology to them for her endorsement of Bongbong Marcos in the 2022 Philippine presidential election.[33]

Investigation and aftermath

According to the police, Quiboloy hid in an underground bunker, recorded with a heartbeat device.[34]

Aftermath

After the standoff, a total of six police officers were injured, with 18 protesters arrested. Multiple pictures show police officers with bloody faces.[31]

Reactions

The legal counsel of KOJC (Israelito Torreon and Ferdinand Topacio) have criticized what they assert as the illegal search operation being done by the PNP.[10][23] Torreon claimed that instead of a court-issued search warrant, the police only presented an alias arrest warrant which had been served earlier that month by the National Bureau of Investigation.[10] Some KOJC members later filed a complaint against the police, which said sustained injuries in the August 24 operation.[20] KOJC lawyers are also planning to file countercharges against the police in connection with the August 26 incident.[23]

On August 26, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and KOJC supporters held an indignation rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, calling for the resignation of president Bongbong Marcos from public office.[19] The operation was also criticized by the Duterte family, where Quiboloy is among their known supporters.[10] Former president and KOJC property administrator,[20] Rodrigo, and his daughter, vice president Sara, both accused the Marcos administration of sowing "fear and terror."[10] The vice president's brother, Davao City mayor Sebastian Duterte, criticized police usage of excessive force,[23] which the vice president suspected as politically motivated. The vice president, in her statement, expressed regret for encouraging KOJC members to vote Marcos in 2022.[10]

Senator dela Rosa's committee on public order and dangerous drugs sought investigation on the police operation, citing reports that church members were prevented to enter of leave the property. He also advised Quiboloy to surrender "because there is really a court-issued warrant."[10] Senator Imee Marcos condemned the "excessive show of force", citing a large number of police personnel involved in the operation; while Senator Risa Hontiveros blamed Quiboloy for his absence in the Senate hearing that worsened the situation.[23] Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. urged Quiboloy to surrender, he stated “We have a process, we have a justice system we have to follow”.[35]

The Commission on Human Rights urged both parties to stay calm and follow the judicial process.[20][23]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Mendoza, John Eric (August 29, 2024). "60 cops hurt as hunt for Quiboloy continues". Inquirer News. Baguio City, Philippines: INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 30, 2024. Quiboloy and the five co-accused face child abuse cases before the Davao City court. One of them has been in the custody of authorities since July.
  2. ^ a b c d e Mendoza, John Eric (July 12, 2024). "P1-M bounty helped in arrest of Quiboloy's co-accused – DILG". Inquirer News. Manila, Philippines: INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  3. ^ Sun Star Davao Digital (June 10, 2024). "Police raids fail to arrest Pastor Quiboloy at KOJC compounds". SunStar. SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Gomez, Herbie (August 27, 2024). "Davao journalists covering standoff face hostility from Quiboloy supporters". Rappler. Cagayan de Oro, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Retrieved September 2, 2024. [A] news conference called by Quiboloy's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, was interrupted when Eleanor Cardona, KOJC executive secretary, criticized the media for being biased and 'bayaran' (paid hacks).
  5. ^ Sitchon, John (August 26, 2024). "Fugitive Quiboloy to blame for police-KOJC standoff in Davao — Hontiveros". Rappler. Rappler Inc. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Regalado, Edith; Suelto, Diana Lhyd (August 25, 2024). "Police surround Quiboloy HQ in bid to serve warrant". Philstar.com. Davao City, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  7. ^ Badilla, Joselle R. (August 29, 2024). "More cops arrive, Army sending troops for Quiboloy search". Inquirer News. Davao City, Philippines: INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  8. ^ Bacongco, Keith; Colina IV, Antonio (August 26, 2024). "Main road in Davao City remains closed due to KOJC-police standoff". Manila Bulletin. Davao City: Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  9. ^ Francisquete, David Ezra M. (August 27, 2024). "Torreon bares plans of PNP to allegedly bomb portions of KOJC compound". SunStar. SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Gomez, Herbie (August 25, 2024). "Exhausted cops, weary Quiboloy group in standoff as Davao manhunt drags on". Rappler. Cagayan de Oro, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  11. ^ "PH police arrest 18 KOJC members in Davao City standoff". Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  12. ^ "Hundreds of cops in Philippines raid religious compound in search of preacher accused of sexual abuse". Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Megachurch leader who calls himself the 'son of God' charged with sex trafficking". Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  14. ^ "KOJC lawyer demands police pullout of sacred grounds". Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  15. ^ Begas, Billy (August 25, 2024). "Sara Duterte urged not to shield Quiboloy from justice: 'No one is above the law'". Politiko. MCD Multimedia Corporation. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  16. ^ Regalado, Edith; Servallos, Neil Jayson (August 26, 2024). "Sara slams KOJC raid; PNP won't leave without Quiboloy". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  17. ^ "The Exodus from Religious Bondage". Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  18. ^ "Federal Grand Jury Issues New Indictment Against Leaders of Philippines-Based Church that Alleges Sex Trafficking Scheme". Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  19. ^ a b c Casilao, Joahna Lei (August 26, 2024). "Harry Roque, KOJC supporters ask Marcos to resign". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  20. ^ a b c d e "Quiboloy supporters rally outside KOJC compound in Davao City". GMA Integrated News. August 26, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  21. ^ RITA, JOVILAND (2024-08-08). "Quiboloy still inside KOJC compound in Davao City —police". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  22. ^ Palicte, Che (24 August 2024). "2K police swoop down on KOJC compound, fail to find Quiboloy". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d e f Johnson Manabat (August 26, 2024). PH police arrest 18 KOJC members in Davao City standoff (news report). The World Tonight; ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  24. ^ G, Herbie (2024-08-26). "Protesting Quiboloy group, police clash outside KOJC as standoff intensifies". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  25. ^ Tocmo, Hernel (June 10, 2024). "PNP enters Quiboloy compound in Davao City". ABS-CBN. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  26. ^ Francisquete, David Ezra M. (August 27, 2024). "Media personalities file blotter vs KOJC supporters for harassment". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  27. ^ MindaNews (August 26, 2024). "Media harassment by KOJC protesters". Facebook. Meta Platforms Inc. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  28. ^ "Court grants temporary protection order to KOJC". GMA Regional TV. August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  29. ^ "Davao court grants temporary protection order to KOJC". GMA Integrated News. August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  30. ^ Teleradyo (August 28, 2024). Alleged bunker inside KOJC may be connected to Davao airport: PNP | (27 August 2024). YouTube (in English and Filipino). Google LLC. Event occurs at 2:34. Retrieved August 28, 2024. We are on our fourth day, and yet hindi pa ata tayo nangangalahati diyan sa napakalaking compound na 'yan...
  31. ^ a b Magramo, Kathleen (August 27, 2024). "Preacher wanted by FBI on sex crime charges evades Philippine police as followers resist in dayslong standoff". CNN. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  32. ^ Tonelada, Rachelle (August 30, 2024). "VP Sara pays respect to KOJC member who died of heart attack amid police raid". Manila Standard. Philippine Manila Standard Publishing, Inc. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  33. ^ Gomez, Herbie (September 1, 2024). "Sara Duterte celebrates KOJC anniversary with thousands of Quiboloy followers". Rappler. Cagayan de Oro, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  34. ^ "Apollo Quiboloy: Standoff as police close in on 'Son of God' pastor". www.bbc.com. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  35. ^ Rosauro, Germelina Lacorte (2024-08-27). "Cops disperse Quiboloy followers on Day 3 of standoff". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
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