Duterte threatens legal action vs. ‘illegal raid’ on Quiboloy properties

Former president Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday threatened that he will take legal action against the policemen who stormed the properties of religious leader Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City.

Duterte said the raids conducted by the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group were an “overkill in any language” and “cannot go unpunished.”

Last march, the former president was named the administrator of the properties of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founded by Quiboloy. 

Duterte said the police did not present any search warrants in all the properties owned by the KOJC). 

“I have ordered not only the preparation of affidavits of all members aggrieved and traumatized by the said unfortunate incident but also an inventory of church properties destroyed as a consequence,” said Duterte. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I am constrained to take action against all those responsible for the coordinated but illegal raid. Notwithstanding my personal convictions, the law must be upheld,” he added. 

“Let this be a warning and a lesson for all those who follow and implement illegal and unlawful orders that there are grave consequences for blind obedience.” 

The police raided several properties owned by KOJC in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani to serve an arrest warrant to the controversial televangelist. 

Quiboloy went into hiding shortly after the Senate issued an arrest order against him.  The 74-year old self- proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" is facing charges that include child prostitution, sexual abuse, and acts of  neglect, abuse, cruelty or exploitation.

The KOJC leader, who is on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Most Wanted List, was also indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.

In what he considers as an act of “trespass,” Duterte said the raid “sent the wrong signal that this country has become a police state with no respect for the law and religious institutions.” 

Duterte also criticized how the present government allegedly portrays Quiboloy in a bad light. 

“It is unfortunate that the obsession of this administration to demonize Pastor Quiboloy even before he could be convicted by a court of law is a clear maneuver to divert attention from the deepening crisis spawned by corruption, incompetence, and abuse of authority,” said Duterte. 

The KOJC earlier said that at least three members from their ranks were injured in the short melee with authorities.

It added that nine church members were arrested or handcuffed by the police for allegedly carrying bolos during the raid.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News