FIVE co-accused of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy in a child and sexual abuse case have already surrendered to local authorities, although he has yet to yield or be arrested as of press time.

This development has prompted calls for the transfer of Davao City law enforcement officials who are associated with Quiboloy and former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, amid suspicions they are keeping a blind eye on the latter.

There were also suggestions for new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil to assign officials in Davao City who have not been previously assigned there to speed up the arrest of Quiboloy.

Journal Group sources said that the Police Regional Office 11 (PRO11) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Region 11 office are already partnering to serve the warrant of arrest against the pastor.

“However, it could not be avoided if some officers known to Quiboloy will alert him ahead of the arrival of the arresting team,” a ranking Camp Crame official said.

Officials said that during a hunt for an influential politician in Mindanao many years ago, he easily escaped arrest purportedly after being tipped off by his connections in the law enforcement.

The fugitive’s end came when top officials in the region were replaced and the Presidential Security Group was sent to arrest him.

On Wednesday, three of Quiboloy’s co-accused identified as Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada and Sylvia Camanes surrendered to Davao City authorities.

On Thursday, two others identified as Jackiely Roy and Ingrid Canada turned themselves over to the local police and NBI in Barangay Tamayong.

The five co-accused’s bail are already being processed as of press time.

The accused were ordered arrested on Monday by the Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 12 for violation of Section 10(a), or other acts of child abuse under Republic Act (RA) 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Quiboloy was also ordered arrested for violation of Section 5(b) or sexual abuse also under RA 7610. The court set the bail at P180,000 for sexual assault and P80,000 for maltreatment.

The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headed by Major General Romeo M. Caramat Jr. and the PRO11 under Brigadier Gen. Alden B. Delvo were tasked to serve the arrest warrant against the accused.

“Once he is arrested, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality will expect his appearance in our next hearing,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros who is the chairperson of that committee.

The panel investigated the alleged crime activities perpetrated by Quiboloy and other officials of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ such as physical and sexual abuse.

Prior to the court order, the Senate also issued an arrest order against the pastor to compel him to attend the panel’s inquiry. However, Quiboloy maintained that he will only face the allegations against him in a proper court.