By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in Davao City, which was conducted while serving an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
“The charges against Quiboloy are not ‘simple.’ They involve serious and morally abhorrent offenses such as the sexual assault of a minor and human trafficking,” said Department of Justice Secretary Boying Remulla in a recent interview.
It is worth noting that Quiboloy has consistently maintained that charges should be filed in court; however, he has refused to submit to the court’s jurisdiction and remains a fugitive from justice. He has also disregarded Senate hearings.
Padilla is seeking to determine whether there was a violation of human rights during the operation.
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the senator filed Senate Resolution No. 1051, directing the relevant committee to investigate “in aid of legislation” whether there was “unnecessary and excessive force” used during the operation.
“There is a need for the PNP to promote and protect human rights because these acts are vital to the maintenance of public order, the guarantee of public safety, and the respect for the rule of law,” Padilla stated in his resolution.
“Records indicate several instances in the past where the PNP was criticized for its use of excessive force in serving warrants,” Padilla added.
He also noted that the PNP has adopted a Human Rights-Based Policing (HRBP) policy, whose guidebook emphasizes that “the first level of its human rights obligations is to respect human rights by refraining from interfering with the enjoyment of people’s rights.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
