CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Police finally captured fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy ending a grueling manhunt inside the vast Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property in Davao City.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced in a Facebook post on Sunday, September 8, the arrest of 74-year-old Quiboloy’s who deems himself as the “appointed son of God” and “owner of the universe.”

There is still no available details as of posting time regarding the arrest of the preacher. We will update this story once more information comes in.

Along with the photo showing Quiboloy, Abalos made another post saying, “NAHULI NA PO SI APOLLO QUIBOLOY.” (Apollo Quiboloy has been captured).

Soon after Abalos’ announcement of the arrest, Davao region police director Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III told Radyo 630, “I really don’t know the details. Pakitanong si DILG chief [Abalos]. Siya ang nakakaalam sa mga detalye.” (Please ask DILG chief Abalos for the details. He’s the one who knows the details.)

Senator Risa Hontiveros, in her statement, said: “Mananagot ka, Apollo Quiboloy… We commend our law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts and dedication, despite Quiboloy’s tactics. Magpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Senado para matuldukan ang sistematikong pang-aabuso sa mga pinakabulnerable sa lipunan.” (You will be held accountable, Apollo Quiboloy… The Senate investigation will continue to seek an end to the systematic abuse of society’s most vulnerable.)  

Four-month hunt

Quiboloy’s capture concluded a four-month hunt for the elusive preacher, who faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse, and qualified trafficking in two separate courts.

The courts issued arrest warrants in April for Quiboloy and five of his followers: siblings Ingrid, Cresente, and Paulene Canada; Jackielyn Roy; and Sylvia Cemañes. Police arrested Paulene, identified as a former KOJC finance officer, in Davao in July.

Authorities repeatedly attempted to arrest Quiboloy and the other fugitives at his known properties in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani but were unsuccessful until the recent operation.

Some 2,000 cops — later reinforced by over 1,000 police personnel from various regions — stormed the KOJC compound in Buhangin before the first light of day on August 24.

Thousands of Quiboloy supporters took to the streets the following afternoon, continuing their protest against what they called the “siege” until Monday afternoon, August 26, when outnumbered police breached the barricades, dispersed the crowd, dismantled the makeshift stage, removed roadblocks, and arrested more than a dozen KOJC members.

Police remained on the property and continued their search for Quiboloy despite a temporary protection order issued by Judge Mario Duaves of the Davao Regional Trial Court’s 15th branch on Tuesday, August 27.

The court ordered police to remove all barriers obstructing the movement of Quiboloy’s followers in and out of the KOJC property and to refrain from infringing on civil liberties. However, the court also stated that the protection order coexisted with the arrest warrants — a clause authorities used to justify the prolonged search at the KOJC property.

On September 5, the Court of Appeals declared the temporary protection order for KOJC null and void.

More than 100 people were hurt during the standoff. Police reported 60 officers were wounded, while KOJC lawyer Israelito Torreon claimed at least 54 of Quiboloy’s followers were injured or suffered heart and anxiety attacks and were taken to a hospital.

Since August 24, police have arrested and filed complaints against 29 KOJC members for obstruction of justice and assaulting authorities. – Rappler.com