AS THE search for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy enters its tenth day, the Police Regional Office XI maintained that the televangelist and four other co-accused are still inside the compound, citing the detection of a “heartbeat” in an underground facility.
PRO XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey said, “Based on our intelligence and the information we have received, Pastor Quiboloy is still inside the KOJC compound.”
She explained, “The radar used to detect the heartbeat indicates that it is a human heartbeat, not that of an animal. If it were an animal, previous successful operations would not have used the machine effectively.”
Dela Rey added, “The operator of the device confirms that the heartbeat detected is human. Based on their input, it is a human heartbeat.”
When asked if they had located the source of the heartbeat, she responded, “We have located some.”
“You have seen from day one to day five that the police are armed. Perhaps, Mr. President, you were not given a proper report. I have never seen justification like this, with their reason for staying being ‘heartbeat,’” KOJC legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon said recently.
“The ‘heartbeat’ initially was at the JMC compound in the back, then moved to the Cathedral, and later to another office. This is not mentioned in our constitution as a justification for probable cause. The Court requires a judicial imprimatur, and this needs to be discussed in court,” Torreon continued.
Regarding whether Pastor Quiboloy is still in the underground facility, she said, “We cannot divulge any specifics about the operation.”
She also mentioned that they could not provide details on the tactical aspects of the operation and noted that the operation would only end if Pastor Quiboloy surrendered.
According to the STG commander, 50 percent of the 40 structures within the 30-hectare KOJC compound have been checked.
Dela Rey could not provide specifics on which structures have been inspected since day one.
Challenges in the operation
Dela Rey described the challenges faced during the operation: “Whenever we attempt to enter an area, there is resistance. It is good that they allowed us to enter, as they have been portraying the police as unwilling to let the mainstream media in.”
She continued, “We wanted the media to enter. Twice, we attempted to let the media in but were not permitted, even when showing police IDs. This shows that KOJC controls the entrance while portraying the police as obstructive.”
Dela Rey also stated that they will provide security for the media but added, “If we see that you might be in danger, we will advise you to withdraw. We do not want anyone to be harmed, whether from your side or from the KOJC members.”
On Sunday, Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her belief that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is no longer in Davao City, given that it has been nine days since the arrest warrant was attempted.
“In my opinion, Pastor Quiboloy is no longer in Davao City because he has had ample time to leave. The extended grandstanding during the Senate committee hearing gave him time to decide whether to stay or leave, which is something the administration should consider.”
She added, “Due to the prolonged grandstanding at the Senate hearing, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was not apprehended. Personally, I think he is no longer in Davao City.”
Regarding the implementation of the arrest warrant, Vice President Duterte stated, “The execution of the warrant should be prompt. The excuse that the area is too large and that many police officers are involved is questionable, especially since the warrant has not been executed after nine days.”
“Davao City’s image is affected. Businesses are impacted, and flights to and from Davao City have been disrupted. We want a peaceful life for the people of Davao,” she continued.
Major Dela Rey responded, “The implementation of the arrest warrant is within the bounds of the law and follows police operational procedures.”
“Consider the complexities of the KOJC compound and the resistance from its followers,” she added. “We are doing everything we can to resolve this issue quickly. If Pastor Quiboloy surrenders, it will demonstrate that he is not hiding behind his members and followers.”
On Vice President Sara Duterte’s presence, Dela Rey explained, “We respect the Vice President’s presence. While we support any group, it does not affect the implementation of the arrest warrant.”
She added, “Yesterday [Sept. 1], our operation was delayed due to their 39th Anniversary celebration. We accommodated their request to pause temporarily but did not leave the area.”
Dela Rey mentioned that the 39th Anniversary celebration of KOJC was very peaceful.
Vice President Duterte also noted, “The court will determine any abuse of power. I understand that KOJC plans to file complaints and prepare cases. If there is an abuse of authority, it will be up to the court to decide.”
“However, in my opinion, there is definitely abuse of authority. It is evident from the violations during the search warrant implementation,” the vice president added.
“We have no issue with executing search warrants, but the law must be properly followed,” she further explained.
File Photo: Bing Gonzales
