MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the complaints lodged by former president and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property administrator Rodrigo Duterte against former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and other officials.
In a joint resolution published on Friday, the DOJ rejected the two counts of malicious mischief brought against Abalos, Philippine National Police chief Police General Rommel Marbil, and others for allegedly causing damage to the gate of the compound while executing arrest warrants against KOJC founder Apollo Quiboloy in August 2024.
“No evidence — direct or circumstantial — has been offered to show that any of the respondents, much less those who were not physically present, acted with malicious intent,” the resolution read.
“At best, the complainants impute malice based on the scale and nature of the operation, which is legally insufficient,” it added.
Separately, the Department of Justice also rejected the complaint regarding the violation of domicile lodged against Abalos, Marbil, and other police officers.
The former Chief Executive claimed that the police officers unlawfully entered the compound and residential quarters without a search warrant, infringing upon their right to domicile, but the DOJ stated that there was no evidence provided to indicate that the police entered any premises in contravention of the law.
“Their actions, as alleged, fall within the realm of lawful performance of duty and are protected by the presumption of regularity in official functions,” it read.
“Absent any overt act that constitutes an element of the crimes charged, and in the absence of malice, unlawful intent, or personal participation, this Office finds that no probable cause exists to warrant the indictment of the respondents,” it added.
In August, 2024, tensions escalated between the KOJC and the PNP when the latter sought to execute arrest warrants for Quiboloy. This situation culminated in Quiboloy surrendering to the authorities in September after receiving an ultimatum to surface within 24 hours.
Quiboloy is currently facing charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610, known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Additionally, he is confronted with a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, in a Pasig court./PN
