Baste Duterte to PNP: How long will you stay at KOJC compound?

Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte said the Philippine National Police should say how long it plans to stay at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property, saying the police presence has been causing inconvenience to the public.

Duterte said while he respects the implementation of the arrest warrant on KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy, he stressed it should adhere to the law.

"We have observed that the PNP personnel led by General Marbil and General Torre are no longer following proper procedure in implementing the warrant especially the use of excessive force against innocent citizens and their unauthorized occupation at the KOJC compound," he said in a social media post.

"This situation has already caused inconvenience to motorists, businesses, and the public. The public seeks clarification from the PNP, how long do you intend to stay at the KOJC property," he added.

Duterte, son of former president Rodrigo Duterte and brother of Vice President Sara Duterte, said that as much as he wanted to intervene in the situation, "the police personnel will only listen to the PNP Chief and to their Commander-In-Chief President Bongbong Marcos."

He also appealed to KOJC members to conduct their protest "in a peaceful manner" and to "refrain from doing activities that will disrupt traffic flow to ensure the safety of your members and of the public."

On Saturday morning some 2,000 police trooped to the KOJC compound to serve a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy.

Quiboloy is facing charges of child and sexual abuse and human trafficking. He has repeatedly denied the allegations.

Following this, Quiboloy supporters gathered in front of the KOJC compound to protest the presence of the police, who have been scouring the premises with an arrest warrant for the fugitive pastor.

On Monday afternoon, police dispersed the rally and arrested 18 members. The authorities also dismantled the barricades put up in the area.

Another group of KOJC members have assembled near Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.—LDF, GMA