Sara Duterte hits ‘gross abuse of power’ in takeover of KOJC compound
MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday, August 25, condemned what she called a “gross abuse of power” in the takeover of a Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched another search for fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy.
“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 added.
The Vice President said that while she does not oppose the implementation of any warrant of arrest, the “use of force” against innocent citizens and devotees of KOJC was never acceptable.
“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.
(I also cannot help but question whether the use of excessive force and unjust abuse against ordinary Filipinos in enforcing such a warrant of arrest is due to the fact that the accused is a well-known Duterte supporter.)
Some 2,000 police personnel are involved in the ongoing operation, according to Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, director of the PNP in the Davao region. Davao cops sealed off a section of a major road in Davao City as they gathered outside the KOJC compound, before entering the vast property at around 5 am on Saturday, August 24.
A 50-year-old KOJC member had reportedly died due to cardiac arrest during the serving of the arrest warrant. This was confirmed by Police Regional Office XI spokesperson Catherine Dela Rey.
The operation followed a police announcement that a regional court in Pasig issued an alias warrant of arrest against Quiboloy and several of his church associates in connection with their human trafficking case.
The Vice President has been silent on the issue concerning national security, and yet she has openly defended the doomsday preacher, who has been tagged as a fugitive by the National Bureau of Investigation. She has downplayed the sexual abuse and human trafficking charges filed against Quiboloy, describing the congressional probe as “unfair.”
Sara sorry for urging KOJC members to vote for Marcos
The Vice President also apologized to KOJC members for urging them to vote for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former ally and running mate in the 2022 elections.
“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.
(I would also like to ask for forgiveness from all the members, devotees, and supporters of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ for encouraging and asking you to vote for Bongbong Marcos Jr. in 2022. I hope you can forgive me.)
Quiboloy was the spiritual adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
In a separate statement on Saturday, Rodrigo Duterte also hit the latest attempt to arrest the fugitive preacher.
“We sympathize with the members of the KOJC for having become victims of political harassment, persecution, violence, and abuse of authority. This certainly puts a dark stain on the hands of those involved in today’s incident, led by no less than the top police official of the region,” he said.
“Our country has never been in a more tragic state as it is today. Rights have been trampled upon and our laws derided,” he added.
– Rappler.com