MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte condemned the “gross use of force” in the takeover of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City by the Philippine National Police in search of fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy on Sunday, August 25.
“I vehemently condemn the gross abuse of police power in the takeover of the KOJC compound, which led to the harassment of religious worshipers, the abuse of minors, and the unnecessary loss of life,” Duterte said.
“These acts are not only a blatant violation of Constitutionally-protected rights but a betrayal of the trust that we, Filipinos, place in the very institution sworn to protect and serve us,” she said.
The Vice President said while she does not oppose the issuance of a lawful warrant against the fugitive televangelist, use of force on innocent civilians and members of KOJC is unacceptable.
“Hindi ko rin maiwasang matanong sa sarili kung ang paggamit ba ng di pangkaraniwang pwersa at di makatarungang pang-aabuso sa ordinaryong Pilipino, upang maipatupad ang naturang warrant of arrest, ay dahil sa ang akusado ay isang kilalang Duterte-supporter,” she said.
She also apologized to the members of the group for urging them to catapult Marcos Jr. to presidency.
Over 2000 police officers Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, director of the PNP in the Davao region barged into the 30-hectare compound in Davao City on August 24 according to Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, director of PNP Davao.
Police sealed off a section of a major road before entering the vast property around 5 AM. The operation was under the effect of an alias warrant of arrest issued by a Pasig City still in connection to Quiboloy’s human trafficking case.
“Kaya nais ko ring humingi ng kapatawaran sa lahat ng miyembro, deboto at bumubuo ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ, sa paghikayat at pakiusap ko sa inyong iboto si Bongbong Marcos Jr. noong 2022. Nawa’y mapatawad ninyo ako,” she said.
“You deserve better. Filipinos deserve better,” she said.
