MANILA, Philippines – After months of hide and seek, Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is now finally in the hands of justice.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced the breakthrough in the long search for the fugitive televangelist Sunday, September 8 but did not reveal details about his arrest.
“NAHULI NA PO SI APOLLO QUIBOLOY,” Abalos said in his post.
He made another post with a photo of Quiboloy and friends using the same caption.
Police Regional Office 11 chief Brig. General Nicolas Torre III who led the manhunt for Quiboloy heaved a sigh of relief after the televangelist’s supposed “surrender.”
“It’s a relief. Malaki ang relief. Matutulog muna ako,” he said in a press conference held shortly after Abalos made the announcement.
He however did not divulge details because he was simply informed about the news.
“I was informed by the secretary that Quiboloy has already surrendered. So nahuli na. Hindi ko alam ang details,” Torre said.
“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat ating kapulisan. Sama samang tulong a misyon na ito. I do hope na kapit lang. Marami pa tayong trabaho sa future,” he said.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who led the Senate probe on Quiboloy’s alleged criminal activities, lauded the arrest.
“Abot kamay na ng mga victim-survivors ang hustisya, salamat sa kanilang paglalakas-loob na magsabi ng katotohanan,” she said.
“We commend our law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts and dedication, despite Quiboloy’s tactics.” she said.
Just like her message to ex-Bamban town Mayor Alice Guo, Hontiveros vowed that Quiboloy will pay the price for his crimes.
“Mananagot ka, Apollo Quiboloy. You cannot outrun the law. You will not further delay justice,” she said.
A P10 million reward was earlier announced by the Department of Interior and Local Government for any information leading to the whereabouts of the controversial religious leader.
