On KOJC's 39th anniversary, police pause search for Quiboloy

After giving in to requests from followers of Apollo Quiboloy to suspend the search for their leader so they could celebrate their group’s 39th anniversary on Sunday, police resumed yesterday the hunt for the pastor “amid stiff resistance” in his vast Davao City property, where he is believed to be hiding in a network of underground tunnels.

- DIANA LHYD SUELTO and MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

Police have been searching for Quiboloy since Aug. 24 to serve warrants for his arrest as well as those of his four co-accused for charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

Police Regional Office (PRO) XI spokesperson Catherine dela Rey told reporters that the leadership of Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) had requested for a temporary halt to police operations to arrest their leader to allow them to celebrate their anniversary last Sunday.

While the police agreed to suspend their operation, they did not leave the KOJC compound.

Dela Rey said the three and a half hour “very peaceful” anniversary celebration started with worship and was highlighted by a speech by Vice President Sara Duterte.

“There were no untoward incidents related to the 39th anniversary celebration,” she said.

The PNP also said they provided security to KOJC to ensure the safety of attendees in the event.

“This just shows that the PNP respects their religious activities inside,” Dela Rey said.

She clarified that the presence of the Vice President at the KOJC anniversary did not affect their operations. “We respect her presence because all of us can support any group,” she said.

Yesterday, however, KOJC again attempted to stop law enforcers from fanning out across the vast estate to locate the religious leader.

“We are facing stiff resistance from KOJC members who have blocked access points, installed large scanners and are closely monitoring anyone entering the area,” Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said yesterday in a briefing at Camp Crame.

Fajardo said Quiboloy’s complex network of tunnels and bunkers was apparently designed to withstand both man-made and natural disasters.

She said the PNP had to request for the opening of additional gates to give police and their equipment easier access to the compound, estimated to be 30 hectares.