PNP probes Quiboloy sect in Caraga candy poisoning

By Ben Serrano
Correspondent

TANDAG CITY — The Philippine National Police is now investigating on the extent of participation of the religious sect Kingdom of Jesus Christ in the massive food poisoning, here, recently, after police investigators found out that arrested ambulant vendors belonging to the group has been living in a rented a house in Barangay Telaje, this city in the last three years now.

Last week, police operatives in Tago, Surigao del Sur intercepted a white Mitsubishi L-300 FB Deluxe bearing a plate number MEM-366, C.R No. 11783703-1 and OR No. 510926721 registered under the name of the Executive Pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ with address KJC Compound, Phil-Jap Highway, Davao City.

Arresting police said the vehicle was used by Richard Lawag Rivera Jr, 28, and Martinez Sawit Bocaycay, 19, both residents of Mac Arthur, Calinan, Davao City, in selling poisonous candies.

Tandag City Administrator Alexander Pimentel claimed they were also able to trace a house in Barangay Telaje rented by the ambulant vendors for three years which also served as the group’s worship house aside from using it as their quarters or place to stay after selling durian flavored candies here in Tandag City and nearby towns.

Pimentel said it was the owner of the house who personally approached him and confided to him that said ambulant vendors arrested made his house as their quarters rented for already three years now.

In an interview, Friday, Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Director Senior Supt. Narciso Verdadero told Gold Star Daily they will investigate all angles in the candy poisoning case including the extent of involvement of the religious sect Kingdom of Jesus Christ considering that thos who were caught selling the candies were members of the sect and a certain John Bequilla who is member also of KJC was the one who bought said candies in bulk at the Davao City-based candy maker Wen-dy’s.

Meanwhile, Wendy’s Delicious Candy owner Janet Aquino admitted in a radio interviews in Davao City that a certain John Bequilla who is member of KJC was the one who bought her candy products.

Aquino admitted that for the past two years, members of KJC are buying her candy products in bulk. She also confirmed that her products were being repacked by the group for re-selling.

Aquino claimed Wendy’s Delicious Candy has necessary government permits and that her business is legitimate. Aquino’s Wendy’s manufacturing is located in Davao City as Block 10, Lot 15, Purok 2, People’s Village, Ma-a Davao City.