MANILA, Philippines – Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy was not arrested, he surrendered.
Ferdinand Topacio, legal counsel of the controversial televangelist, belied the claim of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos that Quiboloy was arrested because contrary to his post, the latter voluntarily turned himself in to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Based on reliable information, our client, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy voluntarily surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces, or ISAFP,” Topacio said in a statement released shortly after Abalos posted about Quiboloy’s arrest.
Topacio, at one point even called Abalos “epal” (attention grabber) for saying that Quiboloy was arrested and accused the secretary for taking credit for what he called a “non-existed arrest.”
“He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government]. Therefore, it is epal to the highest level for Sec. Abalos to be seemingly taking credit for the non-existent arrest,” he said.
“As usual, Pastor Quiboloy’s legal team shall continue to protect his rights under the Constitution and the laws as we prepare for his defense,” Topacio said.
Police Regional Office 11 chief Brig. General Nicolas Torre III who led the manhunt for Quiboloy said he only knew about Quiboloy’s apprehension through Abalos but does not have any personal knowledge about it.
AFP Spokesperson Francel Margareth Padilla said it leaves the Philippine National Police to release information about Quiboloy.
“The AFP has been in full support of the PNP from the onset of the operation related to the case of Mr. Apollo Quiboloy. Our role in this matter has been purely in support of the PNP’s efforts in serving the warrant,” she said.
“As this is primarily a police operation, we defer to the PNP to provide the details and updates on the situation. The AFP remains committed to assisting our law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order whenever necessary,” she said.
