POLICE operations to serve the warrants and arrest Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Quiboloy in Davao City last Monday were within the bounds of operational procedures, the PNP said yesterday.
The PNP issued the statement after Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, condemned the alleged use of “excessive and unnecessary force” in the service of arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his five co-accused.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP is aware that Quiboloy is a “high-profile” personality and they were expecting resistance from his followers, that was why “the PNP ground commander decided to deploy sufficient number of personnel, to include our SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) and our SAF (Special Action Force) to make sure we maintain peace and order during the implementation of the warrants of arrest.”
“Their presence there is to really maintain peace and security during the implementation of the warrants of arrest,” said Fajardo, pointing out that no “untoward incident” or major incident occurred during the operations.
In a statement on Tuesday night, the PNP said the operations were conducted “in strict compliance with legal security protocols and with due respect for all involved 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,” it said.
It said police personnel made close coordination with local officials prior to the operations to ensure peace and order and to minimize the disruption of activities of people in the areas.
“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 also said.
The elder Duterte, who considers Quiboloy as his spiritual adviser and close friend, asked if “overkill” will be the trademark of the Marcos administration when dealing with people accused of committing crime.
“Will they exhibit the same lack of self-restraint they have shown towards critics of this administration when dealing with their supporters?,” he asked.
He also asked how the current administration preserves the rights of Filipinos “when even the most fundamental of these rights are being trampled upon and blatantly violated?.”
VP Sara questioned the “display of excessive force authority” during the police operation and called for a “proper, acceptable and humane” enforcement of law and promotion of justice. She said violence against the people “is an affront to our democracy.”
The father and daughter comments were in relation to the raid conducted by hundreds of Davao City police operatives on the KOJC compound which houses the Jose Maria College, the Glory Mountain, and Prayer Mountain last Monday to serve the arrest warrants issued by the Davao and Pasig city courts for child and sexual abuse and human trafficking.
The Senate has also issued an arrest warrant against Quiboloy for refusing to cooperate in the Senate investigation on sexual abuse and human trafficking.
The police failed to serve the arrest orders as Quiboloy and his co-accused were not found in the premises.
Followers of Quiboloy water cannoned the policemen serving the warrant at the KOJC compound but policemen exercised “maximum tolerance,” said Fajardo, noting the lawmen did not retaliate and just waited until the supporters ran out of water.
At the Glory Mountain, Fajardo said supporters of Quiboloy “attacked” the policemen.
She said six were apprehended and brought to the police station but were later released.
“However, we intend to file a case, through regular filing, for obstruction of justice,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo reiterated her appeal to Quiboloy and his co-accused to surrender and face the charges lodged against them to avoid similar “tensions” during last Monday’s operations.
“The proper venue to ventilate your respective defenses is the court. The court will give you the opportunity to present evidence to disprove whatever (charges) filed against you,” she said.
In the statement, the PNP said: “We appeal to Pastor Quiboloy to peacefully surrender, accept the warrant, and address the charges brought against him. We also urge his supporters to respect the legal process and the fundamental laws that govern our society.”
