Vice President Sara Duterte visited the wake of Brother Edwin Cababat, a member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), who passed away from a heart attack during a police operation at the KOJC compound in Davao City on August 24.
The incident occurred while authorities were attempting to serve an arrest warrant to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent fugitive.
“Hindi niyo kami kalaban, wala kaming baril! (We are not your enemies, we don’t have guns)” Cababat said, who was caught off guard by the entry of police officers at the rear of the KOJC compound, as reported.
The police operation, which led to the destruction of property and the alleged harassment of worshippers, sparked outrage among the KOJC community.
In a statement issued on August 25, Duterte condemned the excessive use of force by the police during the operation.
“I am not against the implementation of any warrant of arrest in accordance with the law. But it is never acceptable to resort to violence against innocent civilians and devotees of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC),” she said in Tagalog.
The Vice President criticized the “gross abuse of police power,” highlighting the alleged harassment of religious worshippers, abuse of minors, and unnecessary loss of life as clear violations of Constitutionally-protected rights.
Duterte also expressed regrets, reflecting on the potential political motivations behind the excessive force used during the raid. She said she felt sorry and sought forgiveness from the KOJC members whom she urged to support the candidacy of her then UniTeam partner, President Marcos.
“I seek forgiveness from all the members, devotees and those who are part of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. I encouraged and asked you to vote for Bongbong Marcos, Jr. in 2022. I hope you can forgive me. You deserve better,” Duterte said.
