Senate probe on PNP's 'excessive use of force' in serving warrants vs. Quiboloy sought

A resolution has been filed asking the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs to launch an investigation into the Philippine National Police's (PNP) alleged use of "unnecessary and excessive force" while serving arrest warrants against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

"In serving warrants, law enforcement should take into consideration the totality of the situation at hand, which should not in any way violate the dignity of persons," said Senator Robin Padilla who filed Senate Resolution 1051.

The search warrant was done inside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ's (KOJC) properties on June 10, 2024.

"There is a need for the PNP to promote and protect human rights because these very acts are vital to the maintenance of public order, guarantee of public safety, and respect for the rule of law," added Padilla. 

The PNP previously described the serving of warrants against Quiboloy as a "lawful operation” that was conducted "without any harm to anyone.”

Quiboloy is facing charges of child prostitution, sexual abuse, and other acts of  neglect, abuse, cruelty or exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to the child's development

Padilla, meanwhile, cited "several instances in the past when the PNP was called out for its use of excessive force in the service of its warrants."

Among the cases he mentioned were the serving of arrest warrants against an elderly environmental activist in Pakil, Laguna in June 2022 which he said led to "degradation and psychological harm," and another case where 18 PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group along with six members of the Regional Maritime Unit served a search warrant.

He likewise quoted the statement of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was designated as the administrator of KOJC properties, stating that the alleged illegal raid was a clear violation of the law and describing it as overkill.

Duterte previously ordered "the preparation of affidavits of all members aggrieved and traumatized by the said unfortunate incident" and an inventory of church properties "destroyed as a consequence" by the raid.

The operation was conducted simultaneously in three locations: the KOJC compound in the Buhangin district, which houses the Jose Maria College; the sprawling 25-hectare Glory Mountain in Barangay Tamayong; and the adjacent 50-hectare Prayer Mountain.

Should Padilla's resolution be referred to the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, the investigation will be led by its chairman, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.

The KOJC, for its part, claimed the serving of the warrant of arrest against the fugitive religious leader as unjust. —VAL, GMA Integrated News