(UPDATE) FUGITIVE evangelist Apollo Quiboloy surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, his legal counsel said Sunday, hours after Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos announced the pastor’s arrest in a social media post.
Ferdinand Topacio said Quiboloy surrendered to officials of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces.
“He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG,” Topacio said in a statement.
“Pastor Quiboloy’s legal team shall continue to protect his rights under the Constitution and the laws as we prepare his defense,” he added.
On Sunday afternoon, Abalos announced Quiboloy’s “arrest” on Facebook.
“Nahuli na po si Apollo Quiboloy (Quiboloy has been arrested),” Abalos said.
The post was accompanied by photos showing Quiboloy with his lawyer and an unidentified man.
Abalos said Quiboloy was apprehended at 6 p.m. inside the compound of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) in Davao City.
The KoJC pastor is facing charges of sexually abusing children and human trafficking.
He is also wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for sex trafficking, fraud and coercion, and bulk cash smuggling.
Police had for days been scouring the sprawling KoJC compound, described as a maze of secret passageways, in search of Quiboloy.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said justice is now “within reach” for the alleged victims of the self-proclaimed “appointed Son of God.”
“You will pay the price, Apollo Quiboloy. You cannot outrun the law. You will not further delay justice,” the senator said.
“The justice is now within reach for the victim-survivors. Thanks for their courage in telling the truth,” Hontiveros said in a statement in Filipino.
She commended “our law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts and dedication, despite Quiboloy’s tactics.”
Hontiveros said the Senate will continue to investigate Quiboloy’s alleged “systematic abuse” of some KoJC members.
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