The deployment of 2,000 police personnel to raid the premises of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound is both “unwarranted and unjustified,” Senator Imee Marcos said.
“I condemn in the strongest terms, the excessive show of force by the PNP (Philippine National Police) in its raid on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City,” Marcos said in a statement.
“The deployment of 2,000 police personnel to raid the premises of an established religion is both unwarranted and unjustified. The disturbance, fear and even reported death that such a massive show of force caused to bystanders and to those who were simply exercising their Constitutionally-protected rights is unacceptable,” the senator stressed.
Marcos said the PNP ought to be more circumspect in their actions, uphold guaranteed freedoms and prioritize the safety of civilians.
“This is the second incidence of excessive force used by the PNP, and must be stopped immediately,” she said.
“Ito na ang pangalawang pagkakataong nagpamalas ng ‘di katanggap-tanggap na pawersa ang PNP; kailangan itong mahinto at hindi na maulit pa. Isang malaking dungis ito sa pulisyang Pilipino (This is the second time the PNP has displayed unacceptable force; it needs to stop and never happen again. This is a big stain on the national police force),” she lamented.
Authorities earlier tried anew to serve the arrest warrants of KOJC founder and leader Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted for child and sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking cases.
The Davao Regional Trial Court had ordered the arrest of Quiboloy, and five of his subordinates, as they are facing charges of violating the anti-child abuse law.
The “appointed son of God” had been evading arrest since while law enforcement authorities have been trying to locate his whereabouts.