Manila — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced on Monday that a PHP 10 million reward has been established for information leading to the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, a fugitive religious leader wanted on charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking. This bounty is supported by private citizens who wish to remain anonymous and reflects growing public demand for his capture.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City, the significant reward sum was contributed by individuals frustrated with the current situation and eager to facilitate justice. Abalos reiterated his call for Quiboloy to surrender and face the legal proceedings against him. "It seems that the government's system is being undermined. Those who are serving the warrant are put in a bad light. It's simple, the law is the law, and those who are guilty must be held accountable," Abalos stated.
Further details provided by Abalos indicate that Quiboloy is believed to still be in the country. The Philippine National Police (PNP) are also investigating those who may be assisting Quiboloy, including former President Rodrigo Duterte, who has publicly claimed knowledge of Quiboloy’s whereabouts. PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil mentioned that any such assistance could be grounds for charges of obstruction of justice under Presidential Decree 1829.
The urgency of Quiboloy's arrest is underscored by ongoing legal proceedings. He has active arrest warrants from the Davao City Regional Trial Court for child and sexual abuse, and from a Pasig City court for human trafficking, with both cases being non-bailable.
Efforts to apprehend Quiboloy intensified on June 10 when police officers, including the elite Special Action Force, attempted to serve arrest warrants at five properties in Davao province linked to him. Despite their efforts and the presence of Quiboloy's supporters, who tried to prevent police entry into the compounds, he and his co-accused were not found.
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), of which Quiboloy is the leader, has labeled the PNP’s arrest attempts as unlawful and unconstitutional, while the DILG and PNP maintain their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring justice.