MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Marbil on Monday called for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy to surrender to authorities. He also defended the police force against allegations of using excessive force during the operation to serve the arrest warrant against the religious leader.
During a Senate inquiry on the June 10 operation at KOJC properties, Quiboloy’s followers claimed they were “brutalized and terrorized” by police authorities.
Marbil stated, “I assure, as the Chief PNP, we will assure you na i-surrender niyo lang si Apollo Quiboloy and the four others, nandito po kami and you will see that we follow the rules, human rights. We assure you po.”
Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, Director of Police Regional Office 11, echoed Marbil’s sentiments, emphasizing that justice would only proceed if Quiboloy submitted himself to the court’s jurisdiction.
“I would really suggest that Mr. Quiboloy submit(s) himself to the jurisdiction of the court because sooner or later, the long arm of the law will catch up with him,” he said.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, chair of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, noted that it would be “unfair” to require KOJC members to surrender their leader to maintain peace in Davao City, where most KOJC properties are located.
“Even President Duterte has no contact with Pastor Quiboloy. His location is unknown. I myself, I was trying to keep in touch with Pastor Quiboloy when the warrant was issued. I was trying to contact him but to no avail,” Dela Rosa said.
“So it’s unfair we make it a requirement to them because they are only ordinary members of the church… I will personally help as a former Chief PNP. You were once my men. I care about you and I also care about the people of Davao City, especially the KOJC members. I really care for them, my province mates,” he added.
In his opening statement, Marbil affirmed that the PNP conducted the operation “with strict adherence to the PNP operational procedures,” upholding human rights and executing their duties with professionalism and respect for the law.
He explained that the substantial police presence and resources were due to Quiboloy’s considerable influence and extensive network, which complicated efforts to apprehend him. Marbil suggested that Quiboloy might use armed civilian supporters to evade arrest, necessitating the involvement of Special Action Forces.
“This operation was not just a routine action. It was a critical mission to execute a lawful warrant of arrest against the fugitives of the law, Apollo Quiboloy and five others, in connection with non-bailable offenses of child abuse and qualified trafficking,” Marbil stated.
“On the day of the operation, despite facing unprovoked resistance from KOJC followers, our personnel exercised remarkable self-restraint and maximum tolerance to avoid tension and prevent any untoward incident,” he added, noting that PNP officers did not retaliate or use excessive force.
Marbil said that the PNP Internal Affairs Service has been directed to conduct an impartial investigation to identify any operational lapses during the police operation at KOJC properties.
“As a result of the investigation, we have administratively relieved 15 PNP personnel, including three police commissioned officers and 12 police non-commissioned officers. Let me clarify these officers were relieved not for their abuses but for their failure to arrest the fugitives of the law, Quiboloy and his co-accused,” Marbil stated.
The PNP chief also referenced Quiboloy’s statement that he would not be apprehended while alive, indicating the KOJC leader’s defiance. “Their status as fugitive is indisputable,” he added.
Marbil further accused KOJC members of using women and children as human shields to obstruct the police operation. “Armed with bolos and other bladed weapons, male members of this group engaged in violent confrontations with police officers. As a result, six individuals and two minors were taken to the police station but were released the same day for humanitarian reasons,” he said.
KOJC Executive Secretary Eleanor Cardona refuted Marbil’s claims, insisting that KOJC members did not resist the police and accusing the PNP of falsely labeling Quiboloy as a fugitive. “We have always entertained and let them in peacefully. We don’t have any resistance. Bakit kami magre-resist? Ang pinuntahan naman nila religious compounds, hindi naman lair ng criminal,” she said.
Cardona argued that Quiboloy has not been convicted in any court in the Philippines and is not evading the law. She also expressed concerns about potential U.S. interference, suggesting that Quiboloy would face the accusations in court if his safety were guaranteed.