Duterte on Quiboloy's Arrest Warrant: 'I Strongly Condemn the Use of Excessive and Unnecessary Force'
The war of words between former President Rodrigo Duterte and the President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.-led administration continues. As Duterte's friend and supporter, Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and five others were issued warrants of arrest in Davao City, the ex-President condemned the "excessive and unnecessary force." In a statement, Dutrete couldn't help but take aim at the Marcos government.
"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," Duterte said in a statement.
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On Monday, authorities entered the KOJC Dome in Buhangin District in Davao at around 5:00 p.m. As it stands, Quiboloy is dealing with charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and under Section 10(a) of the same act.
Prosecutors allege that the pastor recruited young women, aged 12 to 25 years old, to work as assistants at the church, where he would subsequently abuse them. Documents say that the incidents of trafficking occurred in California. Quiboloy has been sanctioned for his alleged crimes.
Duterte added: "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?
"Will they exhibit the same lack of self-restraint they have shown towards critics of this administration when dealing with their supporters?" said Duterte. "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?"
