Vice President Sara Duterte has condemned what she called the “gross abuse of police power” during the attempt to serve an arrest warrant on Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.
“I am not against the implementation of any warrant of arrest that is in accordance with the law. But it is unacceptable to use force against innocent citizens and devotees of KOJC,” Duterte said in a statement. She strongly criticized the police operation, describing it as a “gross abuse of power” that resulted in the harassment of worshippers, the mistreatment of minors, and an unnecessary loss of life.
Duterte argued that these actions not only violated constitutionally protected rights but also betrayed the trust that Filipinos place in the police force. She questioned whether the extraordinary force used was due to Quiboloy’s known support for her family.
“I cannot avoid asking myself if the use of extraordinary force and unjust abuse of ordinary Filipinos to enforce a warrant of arrest are due to the accused being a known Duterte supporter,” she remarked.
Backlash and Political Implications
The vice president also issued an apology to the members and devotees of KOJC, asking for forgiveness for having encouraged them to vote for President Bongbong Marcos Jr. in the 2022 elections. “I hope you will forgive me. You deserve better. Filipinos deserve better,” she stated.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) had deployed personnel to the KOJC compound early Saturday to execute the arrest warrant against Quiboloy and his co-accused. A member of the KOJC reportedly died from a heart attack during the operation, and several others, including minors, were allegedly injured after police allegedly used tear gas—a claim the PNP denies.
Police Defense and Ongoing Operations
Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, the regional director of Police Regional Office 11, refuted the allegations of using tear gas, stating that his officers did not have tear gas or gas masks. He claimed that a KOJC member used a fire extinguisher against the police, and that KOJC members employed a backhoe to block the officers, causing injuries to some policemen.
Torre defended the police’s actions, emphasizing their commitment to enforcing the law. “We will enforce the law without fear or favor,” he asserted, adding that the prolonged search for Quiboloy is justified given the seriousness of the charges against him, which include child abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking.
The police continue their search of the KOJC compound, insisting that they have credible information suggesting Quiboloy is hiding within the premises.
Legal Context and Future Actions
Quiboloy faces charges under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act (Republic Act 7610) and a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Republic Act No. 9208. He has denied all allegations against him.
The Palace has yet to comment on the vice president’s statement. The police, meanwhile, remain resolute in their efforts to arrest Quiboloy, emphasizing the need to uphold justice for the alleged victims.