Lawmakers at the House of Representatives called on Vice President Sara Duterte and former president Rodrigo Duterte to defend trafficking victims and not fugitives like Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.

House lawmakers questioned both father and daughter’s recent actions and statements as they strongly defended the PNP’s operation within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.

“As a mother, a woman, and a public servant, I cannot remain silent in the face of Vice President Sara Duterte's recent statement concerning the [KOJC] and the ongoing legal actions against its leaders,” House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin said on Monday, August 26.

“While Vice President Duterte expresses concern over the police's implementation of lawful warrants, I find it troubling that her sympathies appear to lie more with a powerful figure wanted for serious crimes rather than with the vulnerable women and minors who have suffered at the hands of an accused predator,” she pointed out.

Garin further pointed out that trafficking, rape and sexual abuse charges against Quiboloy and other leaders of the KOJC were not trivial matters to be dismissed or overshadowed by political spin.

“The real issue here is justice for the victims—innocent individuals whose lives have been irrevocably harmed,” Garin said.

“Instead of addressing these serious concerns, Vice President Duterte’s statement seems to shift the narrative away from the need for justice and accountability,” she pointed out.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. and Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre called the PNP’s operation “a legitimate action,” and urged former President Duterte to “respect the rule of law and duties of law enforcement officers.”

The operation, carried out under a court order, involved the PNP entering the KOJC compound to serve arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused in child abuse and human trafficking cases.

“Pastor Quiboloy is a fugitive facing serious charges, and the PNP was simply fulfilling its duty to enforce the law. It’s imperative that we allow our law enforcement agencies to operate without political interference,” Acidre said.

“Former president Duterte, your defense of Quiboloy only serves to cloud the issue. The law must apply to everyone equally, and any attempt to shield someone from justice sets a dangerous example,” he added.

Acidre also warned against the broader implications of Duterte’s statements, particularly his penchant for politicizing law enforcement.

“Law enforcement must be impartial and free from political influence. By questioning the PNP’s actions in this case, you are risking the politicization of our police force, which could lead to a breakdown in the rule of law,” Acidre added.

Moreover, as a former chief executive, Duterte should have “understood better than anyone the importance of law enforcement in upholding justice.”

“Our police officers were enforcing a legitimate court order, and they should be allowed to do their job without undue interference,” Gonzales said.

“Your recent remarks risk undermining the integrity of our justice system and could set a dangerous precedent where the rule of law is overshadowed by political rhetoric,” he added.

Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, for his part, expressed alarm and concern over the rescue of two alleged victims of human trafficking during the police raid at the KOJC compound, saying the religious group might be allegedly harboring criminals and keeping more victims.

“We are alarmed at the fact then when a valid warrant of arrest for Apollo Quiboloy was enforced at the KOJC compound, they found alleged victims of human trafficking. This is a clear-cut sign that there is irrefutable basis for the accusations being brought forth against him,” Almario pointed out.

Almario said his sympathy goes out to the family of Quiboloy’s victims and the victims themselves.

“Mahirap mawalay sa pamilya na hindi sigurado kung makakauwi pa ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Kaya dapat maparusahan ang responsable sa krimeng ito. Hindi lang dapat ulo ang hinanap natin,” said Almario, a member of the Young Guns of the House of Representatives.

“There are accomplices in this crime, and it is the PNP’s duty to uncover all involved. Baka may mga empleyado or kaya mga management officials or administrators na may alam o kaya ay kasama sa paggawa ng mga krimeng ito? Kailangan maiging tingnan ito ng PNP (Maybe there are employees or management officials or administrators who know or are complicit in committing these crimes? The PNP needs to take a good look at this),” he stressed.

On the other hand, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez commended the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Davao City Chapter ( IBP-Davao) for issuing a “bold and necessary call” to Quiboloy and his co-accused to surrender peacefully and submit to the rule of law.

Gutierrez underscored the IBP’s crucial role in ensuring that justice is served swiftly and without obstruction.

“This is not just about following the law; it’s about showing respect for our justice system and ensuring that due process is carried out fairly. I urge Pastor Quiboloy to heed this call and demonstrate his respect for the rule of law by submitting to the judicial process,” said Gutierrez, himself a lawyer.

Assistant Majority Leader Jil Bongalon, another lawyer, echoed this sentiment, stating that the rule of law is non-negotiable in a democracy.

“The rule of law is the foundation of our democracy, and no one is above it. The IBP’s statement is a clear reminder that justice must prevail, regardless of who is involved,” Bongalon said.

He added: “I fully support the IBP Davao’s call for a peaceful surrender by Pastor Quiboloy and his co-accused. Let us all abide by the legal processes that safeguard the rights of every citizen and uphold the integrity of our courts.”

Deputy Majority Leader and PBA Party-list Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles, also a lawyer, stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law to maintain public trust and ensure justice.

“The IBP Davao’s statement is a clear call to uphold the rule of law in our country. Pastor Quiboloy and his co-accused must surrender peacefully, as the law requires,” Nograles said.

Nograles also commended the PNP and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 11 for their swift action in rescuing the two alleged human trafficking victims at the KOJC premises.

“I applaud the PNP and DSWD for their decisive action in rescuing these young individuals from what appears to be a deeply troubling situation. The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially the most vulnerable, must always be a top priority,” Nograles said.

“I also strongly condemn anyone who attempts to defend or downplay the severity of these crimes. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, and those responsible, including any accomplices, must be held accountable,” she added.