DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has strongly condemned the actions of police officers from the Police Regional Office XI when they served the warrant of arrest of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) on Monday, June 10.
Describing the use of force as “excessive and unnecessary,” Duterte criticized the officers who were not from Davao City, for conducting the arrest within a place of worship and on school premises, calling the incident “absolutely unacceptable.”
In his statement, Duterte remarked, “I strongly condemn the use of excessive and unnecessary force in serving the warrant of arrest for Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ by police officers who are not even from Davao City. This incident occurred within a place of worship and on school premises, which is absolutely unacceptable.”
Labeling the police actions as “overkill,” Duterte questioned whether this approach would become a hallmark of the current administration. He asked, “Will this overkill be the trademark of this administration when dealing with individuals who are merely accused of committing a crime and have not been proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt?”
Duterte also highlighted a broader concern regarding the administration’s treatment of its critics and supporters. He stated, “The police exhibited the same lack of self-restraint they have shown towards critics of this administration when dealing with their supporters. How can this administration guarantee the preservation of the constitutional rights of our fellow Filipinos when even the most fundamental of these rights are being trampled upon and blatantly violated?”
The operation, captured in videos uploaded by SMNI News, showed police personnel simultaneously raiding multiple KOJC properties, including the KOJC Compound along the airport road in Buhangin, Glory Mountain, and Joy Garden in Tamayong. These operations began early in the morning around 4:00 AM.
The videos also showed that Quiboloy’s followers outnumbered the police personnel during the operation at KOJC compound. They sprayed water at the police from two fire trucks inside the compound. Meanwhile, at the entrance, some members danced to the beat of drums and bugles, creating a festive atmosphere amidst the tension. At one point, supporters climbed onto a PNP fire truck and confronted two police officers directly.
Duterte has been appointed as the caretaker of the KOJC properties, a role that underscores his connection to the organization and his concern over the manner in which the arrest was conducted.
