Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte sharply criticized the recent police operations aimed at arresting Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and a close ally. The incident took place at the KOJC compound in Davao City, where Philippine National Police (PNP) officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant against Quiboloy, who faces charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
During the police operation, a KOJC member died of a heart attack, intensifying the controversy surrounding the event.
“Our country has never been in a more tragic state than it is today. Rights have been trampled upon, and our laws have been derided,” Duterte said in a statement. He expressed sympathy for KOJC members, describing them as victims of “political harassment, persecution, violence, and abuse of authority,” and criticized the police operation as a “dark stain” on the officials involved.
Political Reactions and Continued Tensions
Other political figures, including Senators Christopher “Bong” Go and Imee Marcos, also voiced their disapproval of the police’s actions. Marcos labeled the deployment of 2,000 police personnel at the KOJC site as “unwarranted and unjustified,” citing the disturbance and fear caused by such a show of force. Go urged the PNP to remain professional and adhere strictly to the law.
On the other hand, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa called on Quiboloy to surrender to the authorities, stating, “We cannot hide forever.” He also suggested a Senate inquiry into the police’s actions at the KOJC compound.
Quiboloy, meanwhile, has denied all accusations against him. Despite claims of “continuous harassment” from KOJC, the Police Regional Office 11 has maintained that they will remain at the compound until Quiboloy is located and arrested.
As tensions continue to mount, Duterte urged all Filipinos to pray for peace and justice and called for an end to what he termed the “reign of fear and terror” by those sworn to uphold the law. He questioned the administration’s ability to protect the constitutional rights of its citizens in light of the recent events.