The Philippine National Police (PNP) dismissed calls urging them to halt the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, emphasizing that the public should support their efforts rather than criticize them.
In an interview on "Dos Por Dos" on Wednesday, PNP Spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo asserted that Quiboloy is still within the KOJC compound, based on information gathered during a previous raid.
"Kausap ko po mismo kagabi si general Torre at he remain confident na nandoon pa rin po. Lumalakas po yung indikasyon na nandoon pa rin ang hinahanap nating tao at 'yan naman po yung sinasasbi natin na maliban po doon sa information na narereceive po natin," fajardo stated.
Fajardo added that the police are confident in their findings, noting that they detected movements underground using "instruments" that have already proven effective.
The PNP's suspicion was further reinforced when they discovered secret doors and hallways within the compound.
"Nabanggit din 'yan ni Gen. Torre na talagang may nagbibigay ng information doon sa mga tao na nandoon sa ilalim dahil nakikita po natin na kapag nagcoconcentrate tayo sa isang lugar na sinusubukan po natin na talagang alamin kung nasaan itong lagusan na ito ay talagang may movement po base sa istrumentong ating ginagamit," Fajardo explained.
During the search, six girls were found in an area where Quiboloy was believed to be staying. Reports indicate that the girls, aged 13 to 15, were described by KOJC members as abandoned children.
"We don't want to speculate but ang tanong natin ano ang ginagawa ng mga batang nandoon sa mga kwarto na iyon na direktang nakaconnect sa kwartong pinaniniwalaan na kay Pastor Quiboloy?" Fajardo questioned.
"Abandoned children pero nasa kwarto ni Pastor Quiboloy," she added.
Fajardo pointed out that if these children were indeed abandoned, they should have been under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). However, KOJC members insisted that the issue concerning the minors should not be blown out of proportion.
In light of these discoveries, Fajardo urged the public to support the authorities in their operation instead of criticizing them.
"Ang pakiusap natin—instead na batikusin tayo ay tulungan tayo na kumbinsihin si Quiboiloy at iba pa na sumuko dahil kung kami po sa PNP ang tatanungin ayaw naming palawigin pa ito," said Fajardo.
The PNP is now on its 12th day of implementing the warrant of arrest, continuing the search within the 30-hectare compound.
Fajardo noted that the resistance from KOJC members is affecting the timeline of their operation.
