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No politics in AQ arrest order
By Nidz Godino
“It’s easy to say politically motivated but that is not true,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin told reporters on sidelines of commemoration of National Heroes Day in Taguig City.called on camp of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy to respect justice system even as he denied arrest order for the religious leader was politically motivated.
Bersamin made remarks days after thousands of police led by Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Police Regional Office 11 chief, raided KOJC compound in Davao City in search of Quiboloy, who is accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking.
“Law must take its course… he is answerable to law…law must take its course…there is process there,” former chief justice said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.was also present at National Heroes Day event but did not give media interview.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos called on Quiboloy to surrender as members of Philippine National Police (PNP) continue to search for him at KOJC compound.
“I reiterate my appeal to Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused to surrender and face charges of child abuse, sexual abuse and human trafficking… surrender of Quiboloy is the only means for him to prove he still respects law,” Abalos said.
Senate President Francis Escudero also called on Quiboloy to surrender to avoid worsening situation “where there may be more needless loss of lives as well as increasing disrespect for rule of law and our law enforcers.” Sen. Ronald dela Rosa made same call, saying Quiboloy should face charges because he “cannot hide forever.”
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said commotion at KOJC compound “would not have reached this kind of chaos if Quiboloy had appeared in Senate or in court since beginning.”huge number of KOJC members reportedly blocked national highway at Buhangin in Davao City, where group’s compound is located, on Sunday evening, forcing several passengers to walk to Davao City International Airport as some vehicles could not pass due to protest. Quiboloy’s camp accused police officers of irregularities in enforcing arrest warrant, as well as forced entry and using tear gas.
Dela Rosa, former PNP chief, Hontiveros and Abalos appealed for calm and to allow police to do their job.
Abalos defended PNP, saying police were implementing their duty to serve warrant of arrest on Aug. 24.
“Based on different intelligence reports, Apollo Quiboloy is still inside 30-hectare compound covers land, buildings, secret rooms and passage that needs continuous search, we promise to maintain peace and order in the community… I appeal to public to remain calm and allow legal process to prevail,” Abalos said.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre defended PNP operation, saying it is legitimate action.
“Former president Rodrigo Duterte, as former chief executive, you understand better than anyone importance of law enforcement in upholding justice…our police officers were enforcing legitimate court order, and they should be allowed to do their job without undue interference,” Gonzales said.
Acidre emphasized no one is above the law, regardless of position or influence.
“Quiboloy is fugitive facing serious charges, and PNP was simply fulfilling its duty to enforce the law….imperative that we allow our law enforcement agencies to operate without political interference,” Acidre said.
He cautioned Duterte that his “defense of Quiboloy only serves to cloud issue.”
“Law must apply to everyone equally, and any attempt to shield someone from justice sets dangerous example,” Acidre added.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla wants airtight cases against perpetrators of alleged human trafficking at KOJC after rescue of two victims.
Remulla called for “stronger collaboration” among Department of Justice through Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, PNP and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“This is to ensure airtight cases against perpetrators with end view of delivering justice to their victims…let us continue fighting this human trafficking menace, hounds society, particularly vulnerable sector,” Remulla said.
PNP earlier rescued man and woman who claimed they were being barred from leaving compound in Davao City.
Remulla also urged members and non-members of the KOJC who have experienced abuse to come forward and file charges, assuring them of government assistance and protection.
He praised PNP for their efforts in rescuing alleged victims of trafficking..
Meanwhile, Bersamin refused to comment on Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s statement over the weekend asking forgiveness from KOJC members for urging them to vote for Marcos in the 2022 elections.“I have no comment on that,” Bersamin said. The Vice President called raid betrayal of public trust and violation of constitutionally protected rights.
But House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin expressed deep concern over Duterte’s pronouncements, saying these “appeared to defend powerful figure accused of heinous crimes, rather than seeking justice for victims.”
“As mother, woman and public servant, I cannot remain silent in the face of Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statement concerning KOJC and ongoing legal actions against its leaders,” Garin said.
Duterte, who severed ties with Marcos administration but remains close friends with President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, was curious if police’s “excessive force” against Quiboloy and his flock was due to their being Duterte supporters.
Her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, asked how long would police stay at KOJC compound to enforce warrant.
“This situation has already caused inconvenience to motorists, businesses and the public… public seeks clarification from the PNP, how long do you intend to stay at the KOJC property?” mayor’s statement read.
Younger Duterte respects implementation of arrest warrant “as long as it is in accordance with law.”
ISKUP! 