Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte (left), Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte (Facebook)

House Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe has asked high-ranking elected officials in Davao City to stop coddling controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, if indeed they are. 

"We call upon all responsible individuals, including the local government of Davao led by Mayor [Sébastian] Baste Duterte and Congressman Paolo ["Pulong"] Duterte, to cease any protection of Quibuloy," Dalipe, a Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) stalwart, said in a statement. 

"Instead, we urge them to assist in facilitating his surrender or arrest. No one, not even someone who claims to be the self-proclaimed "[Appointed] Son of God," should be above the law," stressed the administration solon. 

Dalipe made these remarks even as he called for cooler heads to prevail amid the Philippine National Police's (PNP) attempts to arrest the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church leader. 

"We urge the people of Davao to remain calm and approach this situation with sobriety. 

"It is important to understand that not all Davaoeños support or condone the actions of Apollo Quibuloy and his followers. Our police authorities are simply fulfilling their duty to enforce the law and are acting in accordance with a legal order," he noted. 

Davao City, where the KOJC compound is located, is the stronghold of the Duterte family. Former president Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte, have slammed the way that the police have carried out their operation against their friend, Quiboloy. 

Mayor Duterte and Congressman Duterte are the Vice President's siblings. 

The Quiboloy situation is taking place amid the very public falling out between the Dutertes and President Marcos that has been unraveling for the past few months. 

Dalipe says the crimes Quibuloy is facing are neither petty nor trivial. 

"They are of a heinous nature, including the rape and molestation of minors and human trafficking—serious felonies that demand a resolute response from our law enforcement agencies," he said. 

"It is our collective duty to ensure that justice is served and that our community upholds the rule of law for the safety and well-being of all," Dalipe said.9