DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte said on Sunday afternoon, September 1, that the ongoing police attempts to arrest the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder, Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, and his co-accused are affecting this city’s image.

VICE President Duterte (FB)

“It is true that the city's image and the residents' businesses in Davao City were affected. Flights were disrupted in the first two days of their operation. No one wants this as our goal is to ensure a peaceful life for Davao City,” Duterte said in a local dialect.

The Vice President led the commemoration for the victims and their families and survivors of the eighth anniversary of the Roxas Night Market bombing on Roxas Ave. here on September 1, 2016.

Duterte said in an interview with reporters after the commemoration that implementing the arrest warrant should have been completed efficiently. She added that the size of the area should not be used as an excuse for the police to take too long in the area.

“With so many police officers already on-site, it is surprising that, after nine days, they have still not finished executing the arrest warrant,” Duterte said, adding that whether there is an abuse of power in the operation remains to be determined by the court.

She said that from what she understood, the KOJC members, through their legal counsel, have prepared many cases to be filed against the members of the Philippine National Police and it is up to the court to determine if there is an abuse of authority.

“In my personal opinion, there is abuse of authority. We don’t need to list the violations seen just to implement the arrest warrant. There is no issue with implementing the warrant of arrest, but it should be done according to the law,” the Vice President said.

Duterte confirmed that she will attend the 39th Feast of the Passover of the KOJC on Sunday to check and comfort the religious group. She said she would also provide a message for them primarily about the rule of law in line with their situation at the compound.

She said it is unlikely that her visit to the KOJC compound will be politicized because, as a Davaoeño and Vice President of the country, she is responsible for providing comfort to the KOJC members during their current difficulties.

The Vice President encouraged the people of Davao City to uphold the rule of law, always address violations, including constitutional violations or breaches of the law, and properly implement the arrest warrants.

Duterte has criticized the police for implementing arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his colleagues who are wanted for child and sexual abuse and human trafficking.

When asked to guess Quiboloy's whereabouts, Duterte joked that Quiboloy is in heaven.