CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Davao police denied on Tuesday, September 3, that they were receiving support from the United States in the ongoing manhunt for fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy and four others wanted on child abuse and trafficking charges.
Police-Davao Region spokesperson Major Catherine dela Rey issued the denial after a US-made helicopter was seen hovering over the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao on Tuesday morning.
Quiboloy has been on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most-wanted list since early 2022, after he and several of his associates were indicted before a district court in California for a string of criminal charges, including sex trafficking, money laundering, and fraud, among others.
Davao-based broadcaster DXDC-RMN reported that the helicopter, a Boeing Vertol 107-II, was seen hovering over the Quiboloy group’s 30-hectare property on Tuesday morning.
The Boeing Vertol 107-II is a 1950s twin-engine, tandem-rotor helicopter known for its stability and versatility, capable of carrying up to 25 passengers or cargo.
“We want to make it clear that no foreign entities are involved in the legitimate operations of the Philippine National Police. As a sovereign country, the Philippines maintains complete control over its internal security and law enforcement, guided solely by its own set of laws, regulations, and policies. The PNP operates independently within this national framework, ensuring that all actions and decisions adhere strictly to Philippine law,” said Dela Rey.
However, the police also pointed out that foreign military assistance in certain operations may occur under strict regulations, based on mutual agreements the Philippines has with other countries.
Dela Rey said, “When there are provisions for foreign military assistance in certain operations, such involvement is strictly regulated and can only occur under established treaties or mutual agreements between the Philippines and other countries. Such arrangements are managed through formal channels and are not part of the day-to-day activities of the PNP.”
The manhunt for Quiboloy and four other fugitives at the sprawling KOJC property in Davao entered its 10th day on Tuesday. The doomsday preacher, who styles himself as the “appointed son of God,” was ordered arrested by two regional courts in April for sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse, and qualified trafficking.
Authorities are also searching for four of his followers – siblings Ingrid and Cresente Canada, Jackielyn Roy, and Sylvia Cemanes – in connection with cases of child abuse and qualified trafficking, which is a non-bailable offense. Paulene Canada, a fifth Quiboloy follower, was arrested in Davao in July. – Rappler.com