Fugitive and religious leader Apollo Quiboloy's legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, claimed that Quiboloy surrendered to prevent further escalation of the situation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound due to the police manhunt operations in the area.
"Quiboloy did not want the situation to escalate further kasi may namatay na. 59 na ang naidulog sa ospital, apat ang na-heart attack, apat ‘yung mga bata na nagka-suffer ng severe anxiety attack. Ang JMC na aming eswekalahan, ay ginawa nang mining operation, ‘yung cathedral ay sinalaula na," Torreon said during an exclusive interview with DZRH for Damdaming Bayan on Monday.
The legal counsel for the self-proclaimed 'Appointed Son of God' clarified that his client surrendered voluntarily and was not arrested. He added that PNP Region 11 Director BGen. Nicolas Torre III was not informed about the details of how Apollo Quiboloy came into the custody of the AFP and PNP.
"Hindi nga alam ni Gen. Torre ang exact location ni Apollo Quiboloy," said Torreon.
Furthermore, Torreon denied the claims regarding an ultimatum, stating that they did not receive any such notice, except for a text message from a high-ranking police officer on September 7, which indicated that it was now a "gloves off" situation.
"Si Senator Bato dela Rosa na daw ang nagsabi during Senate investigation na kapag nag-search sila ay dapat armado sila at kung sino ang haharang ay huhulihin," Torreon mentioned.
Additionally, Torreon mentioned that sources informed him that, as of September 7, they were to be arrested. He claimed that he was reportedly at the top of the list and that specific police officers were assigned to carry out the arrest.
On September 7, Quiboloy allegedly 'sneaked into' the KOJC compound to meet with his members and tell them that 'enough is enough.'
"Naconfirm ko noong September 8 ng umaga na nagbalik si pastor sa compound," Torreon said.
Quiboloy was not in the KOJC compound when police personnel were searching for him to carry out his arrest. According to his lawyer, he allegedly stayed in the mountains of Davao for several days.
"I was always in the compound for many days, I never saw him," Torreon added.
Meanwhile, Torreon mentioned that PMajor Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr. was the one who convinced the accused to surrender. However, they had reservations because of Silo's immediate superior.
"Ang ginawa namin, nagpatulong kami kay Governor Jubahib, siya ‘yung naging tulay sa amin na ma-contact po ‘yung ISAF. Kasi si pastor, may trust po siya sa AFP," said Torreon.
Quiboloy, along with his legal counsel, is prepared to face the charges against him and noted that the wheels of justice are turning.
"We will comply with the orders of the court and today we are hoping a very urgent motion to transfer the custody to another entity," Torreon said in closing.
At present, Quiboloy and his co-accused remain at the PNP Custodial Facility in Camp Crame after being flown in from Davao last night.
