The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday it will file cases of obstruction of justice against iindividuals suspected of hiding and delaying the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused.
PNP chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said a full investigation has begun to hold those accountable for aiding the then fugitive megachurch leader from evading the law, which resulted in a tense standoff at the KOJC compound in Davao City.
He noted that Quiboloy’s close associates, including legal representatives, would be held equally liable for actively misleading authorities regarding his exact whereabouts. A KOJC member even died during the early days of the PNP-Davao’s attempt to serve the warrant of arrest.
“We will not tolerate any form of obstruction to justice. Our investigation aims to identify those who knowingly provided refuge to Quiboloy, and we will ensure they face appropriate legal consequences,” Marbil said in a statement.
“Obstruction of justice is a serious offense, and those who aided in shielding Quiboloy from law enforcement will be charged accordingly. The law is clear—no one is above it, and those who helped Quiboloy will be held accountable,” the PNP chief underscored.
Marbil tasked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under Police Major General Leo Francisco to lead the case build-up. The CIDG is expected to “spearhead efforts to gather evidence and
ensure that those complicit in harboring the fugitive are brought to justice.”
Quiboloy stood accused of violating Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.” He also faces a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge.
The KOJC leader and his co-accused appeared before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 last Friday for their arraignment on the sexual abuse charges filed against them.
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