The police officers, who were instrumental in the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy were recognized in a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 27, according to the Facebook post of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos.
Abalos and PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil awarded the Medalya ng Katapangan to the special task group leaders formed to arrest Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, led by outgoing Davao regional police chief Pol. Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
During the ceremony, Torre extended his gratitude to the Davao police for their professionalism.
"I would like to state that this is also the time that Davao Police sheds its unpopular tag to be under the control of the politicians. Davao Police have shown that given the right time, opportunity, and situation, the PNP Davao showed its professionalism," Torre said.
"To all the adversaries that I have encountered here in Region XI, I would like to say that this has never been personal. This could just be part of the roles we play and I would like to believe that everything came out to the best of the times," he added.
Police officers injured in the 16-day arrest warrant implementation were also honored with the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting.
Other police officials who played key roles in the operation were also recognized with the Medalya ng Kadakilaan for their acts of heroism and dedication.
Abalos admitted that the operation was no easy task as it required extensive intelligence work, coordination and trust.
"It was about meticulous planning and preparation. Bago magsimula ito (operation), of course, nandyan ang meticulous intelligence gathering),’’ Abalos said.
Before conducting the operation, Abalos noted that every scenario was considered, every risk assessed, every action was strategically aligned with the ultimate goal of ensuring success with minimal harm.
"It was about more than just enforcing the law, it was about ensuring the safety and security of our community and upholding the rule of law," he added.
Before leaving his post to prepare for his senatorial bid in the 2025 midterm elections, Abalos stated that the DILG and PNP are extensively working things out to arrest former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and former Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr.
Currency, the DILG and PNP are also trying to locate the former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, who faces an arrest order issued by Congress.