Senators are urging fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to submit himself to law enforcement authorities following another tense and failed attempt by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao to serve warrants for his arrest.
Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), is currently the subject of two arrest warrants issued by separate courts, alongside an additional warrant from the Senate.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian have called on Quiboloy to turn himself in.
Estrada even suggested that former President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his close relationship with Quiboloy, should use his influence to persuade the pastor to surrender. Duterte is also reportedly the current administrator of Quiboloy’s properties within the KOJC.
Reacting to the recent raid on the KOJC compound in Davao City, Estrada noted that this is not the first time such a situation has occurred.
He recalled a similar instance when arrest warrants were issued against him and his father, former President Joseph Estrada, which led to a heavy police presence at their San Juan City residence.
Estrada expressed concern over the fatality and injuries resulting from the KOJC raid, which involved 2,000 police officers.
Gatchalian, meanwhile, emphasized that the incident could have been avoided if Quiboloy had followed the legal process and surrendered. He stressed that Quiboloy would have the opportunity to defend himself in court, where he could address the accusations against him.
On the other hand, senators aligned with the Duterte family, including Senators Christopher Lawrence Go and Imee Marcos, criticized the raid as an “overkill,” condemning the excessive use of force by the police.
Go acknowledged the necessity of law enforcement operations but insisted that the harm caused to civilians was unacceptable. He called for professionalism and accountability within the PNP, urging them to protect the lives of ordinary citizens, especially during sensitive operations.
Marcos echoed Go’s sentiments, condemning the deployment of 2,000 police personnel to raid a religious compound. She described the operation as both unwarranted and unjustified, urging the PNP to “be more circumspect in their actions.”
“This is a significant blemish on the Philippine police force,” Marcos added, underscoring the need to prevent further incidents.
