MANILA – Police have uncovered hidden passageways, explosives, and other weapons within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City as they continue their search for the group’s leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame on Thursday (29 Aug 2024), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. shared videos and images documenting the discoveries.
These included complex structural designs, barbed wire installations, and secret passageways inside the 30-hectare estate.
Abalos revealed that police found a concealed door leading to another room, along with at least 42 buildings within the compound. “This door leads to Pastor Quiboloy’s room,” he stated while clarifying that only a few of these secret passages have been disclosed publicly to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
The DILG is coordinating with the Davao City Engineer’s Office to verify if these passageways were declared in the construction plans submitted by the KOJC.
“We’re investigating whether these structures were properly declared. It’s a serious violation if they weren’t, especially if these intricate designs could be used as hiding places,” Abalos explained.
Photos displayed during the briefing showed Molotov cocktails and bolos found on a building’s roof deck. Abalos also noted the presence of live electrical wires and additional barbed wire set up by Quiboloy’s supporters.
Despite the discoveries, Abalos refrained from sharing all the evidence to prevent hindering the search efforts. “This is a challenging operation, as you’ve seen from the obstacles our police are currently facing,” he said.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Maj. Catherine Dela Rey expressed confidence that Quiboloy remains inside the compound. She reassured the public that authorities are not targeting the KOJC’s structures, church, or members but are solely focused on executing the arrest warrant.
The PRO-11 previously dismissed social media rumors suggesting that they would bomb the KOJC cathedral.
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