MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte, who has been criticizing the government for its attempts to arrest wanted pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), on Sunday said it was possible that the controversial preacher has already left Davao.
“He had so much time to leave Davao City, because the grandstanding in the Senate committee hearing also took a long time,” Duterte was quoted as saying in an ABS-CBN News report.
The inquiry into KOJC and Quiboloy’s involvement in large scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, violence and child abuse began with a resolution filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros in December 2023.
Despite subpoenas, Quiboloy – who is accused of trafficking young girls and coercing them to have sexual relations with him – never attended the hearings held between January and March.
“So he had so much time to think if he would leave (Davao) or not. That’s one of the things the administration should think about,” Duterte said.
The Vice President and her family have ties with Quiboloy, a friend and “spiritual adviser” of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte, who has been criticizing police presence in the KOJC compound, made her speculations on Quiboloy’s whereabouts as the police continue to search for the pastor in Davao City.
“It makes you wonder how it’s been nine days and until now, police have yet to consummate the implementation of the arrest warrant. It should be done quickly because it will affect the image of Davao City and it will affect the livelihood of many people here,” she added.
Duterte was present at KOJC’s anniversary celebration on Sunday inside the KOJC compound, which pushed through despite the arrest warrant implementation.
Addressing hundreds of attendees, the Vice President thanked the religious group and credited them for much of her family’s success.
Sara apologizes anew
Duterte also reiterated her apology for asking the KOJC to support Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when he ran for the presidency in 2022.
“I was on the mistaken belief that we were together on the platform of unity and continuity. I made a mistake and I ask for your forgiveness,” said Duterte, who ran with Marcos under the UniTeam ticket.
Quiboloy endorsed the tandem of Marcos and Duterte in the 2022 elections.
After two years, the Vice President broke free from the UniTeam, saying it was only good for the elections. Shortly after, she resigned from the Cabinet as Department of Education secretary.
Duterte said she would reveal her reason for seeking the vice presidency.
“In another forum, I will thoroughly explain myself on what happened and what led me to decide (to run as vice president),” Duterte said.
She disclosed that she had been discouraged from making an appearance at the KOJC celebration due to its political implications, but said she chose to ignore them as she believes the sect is facing an “assault.”
She explained why she did not come sooner to them as police raided their compound last week.
“The assault on the Kingdom Nation has been going on for nine days. I could not come earlier because there was also an assault on the Office of the Vice President and I could not leave my co-workers at the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte said.
The OVP is facing scrutiny from Congress and the Senate over its proposed 2025 budget. Duterte is also being questioned for the P10-million budget for the book she authored titled “Isang Kaibigan.”
She said that even if she is not always present, she will always be with KOJC members in their “darkness.”
“As Vice President and as a Davaoeño, I will be there to comfort them. I have a moral obligation to assist them if they see that they are persecuted, even if there are so few of them. That’s my duty as Vice President,” she said.
Duterte encouraged the KOJC members not to fear the thousands of police in their compound, and to refrain from violence.
“It is wrong to fear. Why? Because you were sent 5,000 police that you can talk to and enlighten on what’s happening in our country, and ask where the rule of law now is,” she said.
“This is about Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the assault on the Kingdom Nation. Always remember that you are not to be pitied. If they come from a place of violence, the Kingdom of Nation is the expert on peace. Davaoeños are peace-loving Filipinos,” Duterte added.
She said that the operations to find Quiboloy are an “abuse of power and an assault on freedom of religion.”
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte said the police should state how long they plan to stay at the KOJC property, saying their presence has been causing inconvenience to the public.
The younger Duterte said while he respects the implementation of the arrest warrant on Quiboloy, 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,” the mayor 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 said. — Diana Lhyd Suelto, Edith Regalado
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