Quiboloy mess raises concerns for Davao business group

DAVAO businessmen expressed concern over the weekend that the ongoing confrontation between more than 2,000 police officers and followers of fugitive evangelist Apollo Quiboloy could harm the city’s economic development and growth.

Police remained at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) compound in Davao City for the seventh day as they continued their search for Quiboloy, who is wanted for child sexual abuse and human trafficking.

“The situation poses potential challenges not only to the business community but also to the community at large if not addressed promptly and effectively,” the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCCII) said in a statement.

The DCCCII said it “upholds the rule of law and the principles of fair trial” and seeks a peaceful resolution to the issue.

Quiboloy, an ally and spiritual adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been in hiding since March after charges were filed against him in two courts — one in Pasig and the other in Davao.

Members of his church in Davao have been locked in a tense standoff with police since they stormed the KoJC compound on August 24.

The police continued to put pressure on the KoJC complex, stating that they would remain there until Quiboloy was captured or surrendered.

Israelito Torreon, the group’s legal adviser, said the KoJC board had repeatedly assured police that Quiboloy was not on the large property.

Torreon added that he had not seen or heard from the KoJC founder since March. He said he had no idea where Quiboloy was.

The Philippine National Police reported that they have already inspected nearly half of the 30-hectare KoJC site.

PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo said based on a report by Davao Regional Police Office Director Gen. Nicolas Torre III, “almost 40 to 50 percent (of the complex) has been inspected.

Fajardo noted that police are focusing on the “specific areas” of the suspected underground facility where Quiboloy is believed to be hiding.

“We’re looking at an underground facility made of thick rocks and thick metal,” she said.

Fajardo added that the underground facility is “built and constructed to withstand any natural or man-made disaster.

“We have specific areas, but I hope you understand that we couldn’t name them so as not to give away our actions,” she said.

Also on Saturday, Major Catherine de la Rey, spokesperson of the Davao Regional Police, condemned the actions of KoJC members who allegedly aimed laser devices at PNP helicopters.

De la Rey urged members of the religious group to stop such actions for the safety of all parties, saying the PNP was merely carrying out its duties.

Torreon, however, said the PNP had no evidence that members of the KoJC committed such acts.

“It is even likely that a PNP member did that, simply because their presence here is overwhelming and the KoJC members do not have the capacity to do that,” he said.

Torreon said that even if KoJC members committed the acts, it may have been out of “desperation and frustration” over the continued presence of the PNP on KoJC premises.

“The PNP has been here for seven days (Friday) and they have practically converted this very sacred and beautiful building into a police station. Right now they are working on the empty basement using jackhammers and installing panels. We could not even reach the crime scene,” he said.

The Davao and Pasig courts have issued arrest warrants against Quiboloy and others for alleged violations of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and for aggravated human trafficking.

Also on Saturday, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said no one within the government could guarantee that Quiboloy would not be extradited to the United States if he was arrested.

The Justice Department issued the statement after Quiboloy’s camp said the fugitive pastor had set as one of his conditions for surrender that President Marcos give a written guarantee that he would not be extradited to the United States, where he is also wanted for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and child sex trafficking.

During the news forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez said the Philippines has an obligation under the extradition treaty with the US, allowing Washington to request a provisional arrest.

“As for the guarantee he is asking (from the government), no one in the government can give that guarantee,” Vasquez said.

“That is a legal question that has to be studied carefully, because first of all, no government official would want to break the law. And all of our treaties have the force of law once they are signed and approved by the Senate. That is part of our legal obligation. And you can imagine us reneging on our international obligation for the benefit of an individual,” he added.