Police Official in Charge of the Quiboloy Manhunt Named Director of CIDG
QUIBOLOY – The police official who led the manhunt for Kindom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was recently named director of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, the former Davao regional police director, has been named the acting head of the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after leading a well-publicized 16-day operation that resulted in the September 8 arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, the self-described “appointed Son of God,” and four of his five co-accused, at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ complex in Davao City.
According to PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo, Torre will take up the role full-time after being elevated to the rank of major general. Although he is not yet promoted, he is already productive in his current position as head of CIDG. Major General Leo Francisco is replaced as director of the Davao regional police by Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete.
Up to 2,000 police personnel participated in the operation to capture Quiboloy, which attracted a lot of attention because of its size and complexity. The vast KJC property contained a tunnel that the authorities found despite protests and legal opposition from Quiboloy’s supporters and legal team.
Torre will be in charge of another high-profile manhunt at the CIDG, this time pursuing Harry Roque, the former presidential spokesperson. Since he failed to provide documentation on his holdings and business dealings, the House of Representatives ordered Roque’s arrest on September 12 for contempt. As a result, Roque has gone into hiding. Torre will also oversee an inquiry into claims that a former PNP chief helped fired Bamban Mayor Alice Guo leave the nation in July.
READ ALSO: Apollo Quiboloy To Remain in Camp Crame, 4 Co-Accused To be Sent To Pasig Jail
Over his career, Torre has seen highs and lows. In June, after over a year of being in a floating position, he was named chief of police for Davao Region. August of the previous year, he had resigned from his position as director of the Quezon City Police District due to complaints that he had given a former police officer involved in a road rage incident preferential treatment.