Abalos to PACQ: ‘Surrender’

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INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. reiterated his call for fugitive Reverend Apollo Quiboloy to surrender as authorities intensify efforts to arrest him on charges of sexual exploitation and human trafficking involving minors.

During a rally in Cagayan de Oro on September 3, Abalos, along with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, addressed the media on the Quiboloy case.

Abalos confirmed that police intelligence indicates that Quiboloy is likely hiding in the three-hectare compound of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), which required the mobilization of thousands of police officers.

“Based on all of our intelligence reports, he’s there. We wouldn’t send that many agents without good reason,” said Abalos, who acknowledged the challenges of navigating such a large and complex area to make the arrest.

Abalos assured the public that law enforcement would respect the human rights of KOJC members and students involved in the operation.

He appealed to the public not to blame the police, but added that they were only doing their duty by executing the arrest warrant.

“Pastor Quiboloy is facing serious charges, including sexual assault of a minor and human trafficking. These are now the people’s business, not just anyone else’s,” Abalos stressed, urging Quiboloy to face the charges.

When asked about Vice President Sara Duterte’s comment that Quiboloy is “in heaven,” Abalos laughed and reaffirmed the government’s determination to find him.

“This is a serious matter. He must face these charges,” he said.

Abalos also called on Quiboloy’s lawyer, Atty. Torreleo, and his friends to convince him to surrender.

“If he is innocent, then so be it. But if he is not, then he must be held accountable. This is a child, this is human trafficking, and we must enforce the law,” Abalos said.