Followers of Apollo Quiboloy, the controversial leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), have vehemently denied claims that he is hiding in a mountain community established by the religious group in Kitbog, Sarangani. Quiboloy wanted severe charges, including child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, and human trafficking, to remain at large.
Kathleen Laurente, KOJC’s legal representative, spoke to reporters in Kitbog, Malungon, denying any knowledge of Quiboloy’s whereabouts. “Si pastor ay wala dito sa Kitbog (The pastor is not here in Kitbog). We have no idea where he is. We do not know his whereabouts right now,” she asserted.
Located in the Soccsksargen region, Kitbog is speculated to be a possible hideout due to its significance in Quiboloy’s ministry and its remote, mountainous terrain. Despite its rugged accessibility, sightings of a black helicopter, believed to be Quiboloy’s, have fueled rumors about his presence in the area.
In a video posted by Bombo Radyo-General Santos on May 30, Laurente strongly refuted these claims. “They have been looking for the pastor, even here [in Kitbog]. He is not here, contrary to the news aired by Bombo Radyo. It’s been a long time since the pastor last visited,” she emphasized, describing Quiboloy as “innocent” and “law-abiding.”
Kitbog holds a special place in Quiboloy’s heart as the birthplace of his ministry in the 1970s. Laurente explained that Quiboloy transformed the area, once a bandits’ lair, into a thriving community. Supported by local leaders, including Malungon Mayor Tessa Constantino and town councilor Edmund Pangilan, Quiboloy’s initiatives have seen significant development in Kitbog since 2011.
The KOJC community in Kitbog has grown, and plans are underway to develop it into a pilgrimage site akin to the KOJC’s Prayer Mountain and Glory Mountain in Davao City. On May 29, 2023, Quiboloy was honored with the title “Datu Tud Labun” by Kitbog’s Blaan community and given stewardship of their ancestral domain.
Despite ongoing legal battles and the controversy surrounding Quiboloy, Laurente maintains that the community’s activities continue as usual. She denied the presence of armed men within the KOJC community, stating, “If there are indeed armed men here, they could have appeared already. The only weapon we have is the Bible.”
The KOJC has had its share of legal troubles. On May 25, Cresente Canada, the barangay chairman of Tamayong and a close aide of Quiboloy, surrendered 21 firearms to authorities in Davao City. Earlier in May, the group handed over five of Quiboloy’s firearms after his permits were revoked, with the police confirming the sale of his remaining firearms.
While the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and police prepare to search Kitbog, Laurente expressed confidence in the law-abiding nature of the community. Quiboloy continues to evade arrest, with authorities facing challenges due to the private and religious nature of the Kitbog community.
Despite the ongoing search, Laurente’s firm denial and the community’s support for Quiboloy highlight the complexities surrounding his controversial figure and the KOJC’s resilient operations in Kitbog.
