House leaders on Monday called on former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to stop interfering and let the Philippine National Police (PNP) enforce the valid arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, insisting that the fugitive religious leader must face justice and answer the charges against him in court.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. and Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre strongly defended the PNP’s operation within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, calling it a legitimate action, and urged former President Duterte to “respect the rule of law and duties of law enforcement officers.”
The operation, carried out under a court order, involved the PNP entering the KOJC compound to serve arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused in child abuse and human trafficking cases.
The situation escalated into a confrontation, resulting in the death of a KOJC member from a heart attack, which led former President Duterte to publicly criticize the PNP’s actions and express sympathy for the KOJC members, claiming they were victims of political harassment, persecution, violence and abuse of authority.
“Former President Duterte, as a former chief executive, you understand better than anyone the importance of law enforcement in upholding justice. Our police officers were enforcing a legitimate court order, and they should be allowed to do their job without undue interference,” Gonzales said.
“Your recent remarks risk undermining the integrity of our justice system and could set a dangerous precedent where the rule of law is overshadowed by political rhetoric,” he told Duterte.
The lawmaker representing Pampanga’s third district stressed that the PNP’s actions were within the bounds of the law and necessary to maintain order.
“The PNP acted in accordance with a lawful court directive. To suggest otherwise is not only misleading but also harmful to our democratic institutions. We cannot afford to erode the public’s trust in our legal processes,” Gonzales pointed out.
Acidre emphasized that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or influence.
“Pastor Quiboloy is a fugitive facing serious charges, and the PNP was simply fulfilling its duty to enforce the law. It’s imperative that we allow our law enforcement agencies to operate without political interference,” Acidre said.
He continued, “Former President Duterte, your defense of Quiboloy only serves to cloud the issue. The law must apply to everyone equally, and any attempt to shield someone from justice sets a dangerous example.”
Acidre also addressed the broader implications of Duterte’s statements, warning against the politicization of law enforcement.
“Law enforcement must be impartial and free from political influence. By questioning the PNP’s actions in this case, you are risking the politicization of our police force, which could lead to a breakdown in the rule of law,” he said.
Both Gonzales and Acidre called on the public and all political leaders to support the PNP in its efforts to maintain peace and order.
“We urge everyone, including former President Duterte, to stand with our police officers as they perform their duties. They are the front line in our fight to uphold justice, and they deserve our full support,” Acidre said.
Acidre added: “Justice must be served, and it must be served fairly and without obstruction. Let us all commit to supporting our law enforcement officers as they work to ensure that the law is applied equally to all.”
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