Abalos files counter affidavit on complaint over Quiboloy hunt

Former interior and local government secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday filed a counter affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the complaint filed against him over the hunt for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.

Abalos personally filed his counter-affidavit on the malicious mischief complaint filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte, the administrator of KOJC properties, at the DOJ Central Office in Manila City.

"The charges are baseless. The filing of the Complaint-Affidavit is clearly politically motivated and brought in bad faith, intended to harass me and besmirch my good name and impugn my character," Abalos said in his submission.

"As will be shown subsequently, and contrary to the allegations in the Complaint-Affidavit, I did not commit nor did I participate in any capacity whatsoever in the commission of the alleged crime/s being imputed against me," he added.

Other complaints filed against Abalos include violation of domicile, grave abuse of authority, and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

These stemmed from the implementation of arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused at the KOJC compound in Davao City last August and September amid allegations of child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.

Quiboloy, a close ally of Duterte, was caught by authorities on Sept. 8.

A self-proclaimed "Son of God," Quiboloy is currently facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act 9208, as amended, before a Pasig court.

He is also facing charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. — VDV, GMA Integrated News