MANILA. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has defended the deployment of 2,000 police officers over the weekend to arrest Apollo Quiboloy, a controversial pastor accused of sex trafficking and a longtime ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The large-scale operation occurred at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, where Quiboloy is believed to be hiding.
Quiboloy, who refers to himself as the “owner of the universe” and the “appointed son of God,” is wanted on charges of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. Despite the serious allegations, Quiboloy has denied any wrongdoing.
Marcos justified the massive police presence, stating, “And considering that this is a 30-hectare (74-acre) compound, you really need plenty of people, not just a dozen police.” The president emphasized that the deployment was necessary to ensure the safety and security of the area surrounding the church premises.
The operation has sparked criticism from former allies of Marcos, including former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte. They accused the police of violating constitutional rights and abusing their power. “These acts are not only a blatant violation of constitutionally protected rights but a betrayal of the trust that we, Filipinos, place in the very institution sworn to protect and serve us,” Sara Duterte stated.
During the operation, Quiboloy’s followers reportedly blocked the gates of the compound, preventing police from executing the court order to arrest the pastor. Quiboloy’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon, expressed outrage, stating, “The police have turned the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound into a garrison,” during an interview with ANC news channel on Tuesday.
Quiboloy, who is also on the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list, commands a significant following in the Philippines, where religious leaders wield considerable political influence.
In her statement, Sara Duterte also expressed regret for persuading members of Quiboloy’s church to support Marcos in the 2022 election, signaling the deepening rift between the former allies.
The situation remains tense as law enforcement continues to search for Quiboloy, while the controversy surrounding the operation underscores the growing political divisions in the country.
Carlo Juancho FuntanillaFrontend Developer, WordPress, Shopify
Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
