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MANILA - A Davao City court has issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against the top officials of Kapa Community Ministry International over their alleged involvement in an investment scam.

Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 16 placed Kapa Ministry founder and president Joel Apolinario, Margie Danao, Reyna Apolinario, Marisol Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico, Moises Mopia, Catherine Evangelista, and Rene Catubigan under the PHDO.

The order was issued after the court found probable cause of a "high probability the respondents will depart from the Philippines to evade arrest and prosecution."

Apolinario earlier said he will remain in hiding out of fear for his safety amid an ongoing manhunt operation against him.

He also insisted that he will not surrender to authorities unless members of the religious corporation ask him to do so.

• 'Naniniguro lang': Kapa ministry founder refuses to surrender, says wary of safety

President Rodrigo Duterte last month ordered authorities to arrest Kapa officials over allegations the group is involved in an investment scam.

• Duterte twits Kapa ministry, warns against investment scams