Sara slams KOJC raid; PNP won't leave without Quiboloy

Following the raid by police on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao over the weekend to arrest pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday issued a statement asking forgiveness from KOJC members for urging them to vote for President Marcos in the 2022 elections.

- EDITH REGALADO and NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

“I vehemently condemn the gross abuse of police power in the takeover of the KOJC compound earlier today, which led to the harassment of religious worshipers, the abuse of minors, and the unnecessary loss of life,” she said.

Duterte called the raid a betrayal of public trust and a violation of constitutionally protected rights.

“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,” the Vice President added.

Duterte said while she was not opposed to any lawful implementation of arrest warrants, the use of violence against innocent civilians was unacceptable.

“I also want to ask for forgiveness from all the members and devotees of (KOJC), for encouraging and asking you to vote for Bongbong Marcos Jr. in 2022,” Duterte said of her former running mate. “May you forgive me. You deserve better. Filipinos deserve better.”

More than 2,000 police officers backed by riot squads swooped down on Quiboloy’s 30-hectare compound in Davao on Saturday, which is also home to some of his followers, with the hope of finally apprehending the fugitive pastor.

Thousands of police – led by Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III – resumed their operation early yesterday morning to serve the warrant of arrest against Quiboloy, believed to still be holed up inside the KOJC compound.

So far, a 51-year-old KOJC member manning a watchtower has died of a heart attack, while some 18 others said they were injured during the weekend raid.