Outgoing Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. praised the men and women of Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao led by Brigadier Gen. Nicolas Torre III for their courage during the 16-day search and eventual arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy.
“Long live your bravery. Your courage served as our inspiration,” Abalos said in Tagalog during a turnover of leadership ceremony for Torre and his successor, Brigadier Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, who officially reported for duty.
“It was no small task. It required utmost intelligence, trust in yourselves and, of course, strong sense of duty that made it successful. It was about ensuring the safety of the community and upholding the values,” the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief added.
Torre received citation for his exemplary performance in leading PNP-Davao in serving the warrant of arrest against Quiboloy and four of his co-accused, who went in hiding at the complex KOJC headquarters in Davao City. Several personnel were also cited for their heroism.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil handed the awards and medals of heroism to the policemen along with Abalos, Torre and Rosete. Torre acknowledged the challenges they had to deal with in fulfilling their duties at the time.
Torre, who was appointed as new director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said he was proud of his subordinates in the Davao region and thanked them for their support during his tenure. He asked them to extend the same commitment to Rosete.
