MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio criticized Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “chaotic” arrest attempt on Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City on Monday.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Duterte-Carpio appealed to authorities to avoid using “excessive force” and violence while enforcing the rule of law and to also consider public safety.
“Sa ating pagpapairal ng batas, huwag nating kalimutan ang kaligtasan ng lahat, lalo na ng mga sibilyan, at mahalagang matiyak na malayo sa panganib ang mga kabataan,” Duterte Carpio said.
“Kaisa ako sa mga nananawagan ng maayos, katanggap-tanggap, at makataong pagpapairal ng batas at pagtataguyod ng hustisya sa ating bansa,” she added. “Huwag din sana nating kalimutan na ang pandarahas sa ating mga mamamayan ay paglapastangan sa ating demokrasya.”
The Vice President likewise appealed to the Davaoenos to remain calm, as she also expressed hope that respect, order and peace will reign over the country.
“Maging laging mahinahon din sana ang mga Dabawenyo at ang buong sambayanang Pilipino, at magkaisa ang lahat sa pananalangin para sa katotohanan at hustisya,” she said.
About 100 soldiers and policemen in full battle gear were deployed outside the compound at Buhangin District at five in the morning on Monday in an attempt to arrest Quiboloy, but they were met with a barricade of supporters of the KOJC founder.
The PNP, meanwhile, defended their operation against Quiboloy, saying that they conducted a “lawful operation” which was in “strict compliance with legal security protocols” and with due respect to all parties.
“Recognizing the high-profile nature of the subject, the PNP ensured the presence of an appropriate number of officers during the operation to maintain order and prevent any unforeseen incidents. We are pleased to report that the execution of the warrant was conducted without any harm to anyone,” PNP said in a statement.
“Furthermore, the PNP strictly adhered to the guidelines outlined in the PNP Operational Procedures Manual, which underscore the importance of upholding human rights and conducting police operations with integrity,” it added.
Quiboloy has a warrant of arrest from Davao Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minor and maltreatment./PN
