DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte is set to take legal and appropriate actions against the policemen who used “excessive and unnecessary force” in serving the arrest warrant against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and five others.

FORMER President Duterte. (Sen. Bong Go FB)

“While I am saddened to do this given my personal, and in the past, official support for the police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), my duties as Administrator of Church Properties demand that I take legal and appropriate action,” Duterte said in a statement on June 13.

The former Chief Executive directed the preparation of affidavits for KOJC members who were harmed and traumatized by the “unfortunate incident” on Monday, June 10, and an inventory of the damaged church properties.

Duterte said that both the church and law enforcement should take action because the trespass was broadcast on social media worldwide, giving the impression that this country has become a police state that disrespects the law and religious institutions.

“While the damage has been done, the opportunity is there to rectify the errors brought about by trampling fundamental rights in the illegal raid by granting the relief and legal remedies provided by law,” he added.

Duterte said the obsession of the administration to demonize the religious leader even before he could be convicted by a court of law is an exact maneuver to divert attention from the deepening crisis spawned by corruption, incompetence, and abuse of authority. 

“Again, it is with a heavy heart that I am constrained to take action against all those responsible for the coordinated but illegal raid. Notwithstanding my convictions, the law must be upheld,” the former Chief Executive said.

Duterte reminded everyone, particularly law enforcers, to let this be a warning and a lesson for all those who follow and implement illegal and unlawful orders, saying that “there are grave consequences for blind obedience.”

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) allegedly raided KOJC compounds in Barangays Buhangin and Tamayong in Davao City, Glory Mountain in Samal Island, and Kitbog in Sarangani province.

Duterte said that except for the over-publicized arrest warrants, police did not present any search warrants on all church properties, which violates the law. “It was an overkill in any language,” Duterte added.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte had earlier expressed support to those calling for fair, acceptable, and humane law enforcement and promoting justice in the country following the disorderly execution of the arrest warrant against Quiboloy and others.

“In enforcing the law, let us not forget the safety of everyone, mainly civilians, and ensuring that youngsters are kept in danger is crucial. Let us also remember that violence against our citizens is an affront to our democracy,” Vice President Duterte said.

She hoped everyone can maintain respect, order, and peace in the country and reminded the people of Davao to remain calm and to unite in praying for truth and justice.

Israelito Torreon, legal counsel of the KOJC,  said in an interview via SMNI that police forcibly entered and destroyed the gate of the Glory Mountain without a search warrant. He also said that three KOJC members were handcuffed for carrying a bolo.

In video footage from SMNI, Quiboloy's supporters sprayed authorities with water as they tried to enter the compound. The policemen entered KOJC in search of Quiboloy, who is considered a fugitive from justice, and five others accused of three crimes.

The Police Regional Office-11 defended its actions during the early morning raid on June 10 on the properties of a controversial pastor and co-respondents who were subject to arrest warrants, emphasizing the action taken was carried out by valid warrants by several courts.

PRO-11 said in a recent statement that the operation was conducted with utmost consideration for safety and regularity, following strict protocols to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.

“The decision to get several police officers involved in the service of several arrest warrants was adopted to ensure safety and operational effectiveness, taking into consideration the number of persons to be arrested and the areas where they were believed to be found,” the PRO-11 said.

It said the office understands the concerns about using force, their officers employed reasonable measures to restrain some individuals from obstructing the service of the arrest warrants for the respondents. 

“Despite resistance from supporters, the police officers remained composed and demonstrated maximum tolerance throughout the operation. Our main objective is maintaining public trust and ensuring justice is served fairly and impartially,” the PRO-11 said.

Quiboloy, who is facing non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges before a court in Pasig City and charges under Republic Act 7610 or The Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act before a court in Davao City, still has to be found.