BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Approximately 60 police officers have been injured as the Philippine National Police (PNP) continued their efforts to serve an arrest warrant against embattled pastor Apollo Quiboloy. The standoff at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City entered its fifth day on August 29, with the controversial religious leader still evading capture.
PNP spokeswoman Colonel Jean Fajardo confirmed the number of injuries during a press conference, acknowledging the risks involved in such operations. “That’s part of the hazards of being police, and we have to commend our police for exercising maximum tolerance,” she stated.
Quiboloy, who claims to be the “owner of the universe” and the “appointed son of god,” is believed to be hiding in a bunker within the sprawling 30-hectare KJC compound. The influential pastor faces multiple charges, including child and sexual abuse and human trafficking, which he denies.
Attempts to arrest Quiboloy have been met with resistance from his followers, who have blocked the compound’s gates to prevent the police from executing the court order. The standoff has drawn significant attention, as Quiboloy is followed by millions in the Philippines and is listed on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the deployment of 2,000 police officers over the weekend, emphasizing the need for a large force given the size of the compound. “Considering that this is a 30-hectare compound, you really need plenty of people, not just a dozen police,” Marcos told reporters on August 27.
The PNP has been reinforced by additional personnel from other parts of Mindanao, with the army expected to contribute up to four companies of soldiers to the operation. Brigadier General Roderick Augustus Alba, the Davao regional command director for police community relations, confirmed that reinforcements started arriving on the night of August 27.
Police believe they may soon locate a secret entrance to a bunker where “signs of life” have been detected, potentially leading to Quiboloy’s capture. The religious leader and five co-accused face child abuse charges before the Davao City court, with one already in custody since July. Additionally, Quiboloy has standing arrest warrants for human trafficking issued by a Pasig City court.