- PRO XI director insists Pastor Quiboloy hiding inside KOJC compound
POLICE Regional Office XI director, Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, asserted on Tuesday that televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is likely hiding in any of the compounds owned by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
During an ambush interview on the sidelines of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas event held at Camp Quintin Merecido, Torre responded to questions about Quiboloy’s whereabouts, stating, “He’s there, he’s just using his people to shield him.”
He further emphasized, “Based on the information we have, we are inclined to believe he is there (in the compound).
Quiboloy carries a P10 million bounty on his head for the warrants issued for child abuse and qualified trafficking.
The answer is visible on the road,” referring to the human barricade formed by the pastor’s followers outside the compound.
When questioned about the timeline for apprehending Quiboloy, Torre expressed his hope that the pastor would “come to his senses” and acknowledge the suffering he was causing his followers.
Torre highlighted the dedication of Quiboloy’s followers, some of whom were experiencing health issues due to their efforts to protect him.
Addressing the issue of a search warrant, Torre dismissed claims that one was necessary, accusing the pastor’s lawyer of distorting the law.
He clarified that a warrant of arrest was in effect, and law enforcement had the right to enter the premises to execute such a warrant, especially when obstructed.
Torre expressed dissatisfaction with a previous raid on June 10 when KOJC representatives pledged cooperation but seemingly reneged.
He issued a challenge to them, stating, “If you want to play hide and seek, let us in and I’ll have Mr. Quiboloy searched inside without violence.”
He assured that the search would be conducted by unarmed officers in uniform.
The director also revealed that KOJC members had obstructed the execution of the search warrant, even resorting to spraying police with water from a fire truck. He referenced video evidence seen in the media reports recently.
Acknowledging the pressure to apprehend Quiboloy, Torre admitted the embarrassment faced by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the nation’s largest law enforcement agency, due to their inability to arrest a single individual.
Torre reiterated his acceptance of the KOJC’s challenge to search the premises, emphasizing that it would be a firearms-free “hide and seek” operation.
He noted the vastness of the 30-hectare compound, containing 41 structures, and questioned the feasibility of concealing someone effectively within such a space.
He also suggested the possibility of hidden “dungeons” due to Quiboloy’s immense wealth.
Torre emphasized that Pastor Quiboloy must face the charges against him, stating, “Pastor Quiboloy is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, so now he has warrants and the court says he must face it.
What is he afraid of now in the court of man when his lawyers are so good at defending him?” He pointed out that other individuals implicated in the case had already surrendered to the court.
