By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio condemned the ‘violent’ search for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in its compound in Davao City.
Duterte-Carpio clarified in her statement on Sunday (25 August 2024) that she does not oppose the issuance of warrant of arrest, however, it should not be done violently.
“Hindi ko tinututulan ang implementasyon ng anumang warrant of arrest na naaayon sa batas. Ngunit kailanman ay hindi katanggap-tanggap ang paggamit ng dahas laban sa mga inosenteng mamamayan at mga deboto ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC),” the Vice President said in a statement.
“I vehemently condemn the gross abuse of police power in the takeover of the KOJC compound earlier today, which led to the harassment of religious worshipers, the abuse of minors, and the unnecessary loss of life.”
On Saturday morning, around 2,000 police officers went to KOJC’s compound to arrest Quiboloy, however, authorities failed to find him.
According to the authorities, a member of the religious group reportedly died due to cardiac arrest as the police tried to serve warrant against Quiboloy.
Meanwhile, Duterte-Carpio asked for forgiveness to the KOJC members for asking them to vote for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Kaya nais ko ring humingi ng kapatawaran sa lahat ng miyembro, deboto at bumubuo ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ, sa paghikayat at pakiusap ko sa inyong iboto si Bongbong Marcos Jr. noong 2022. Nawa’y mapatawad ninyo ako.”
(ia/mnm)
