Televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and Former President Rodrigo Duterte (Composite image from INQUIRER file photos)
MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has condemned what he called “excessive and unnecessary force” allegedly implemented by police in serving arrest warrants against fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and five others.
In a statement on Monday evening, Duterte likewise questioned the administration’s actions “in dealing with individuals merely accused of committing a crime.”
READ: 100 cops storm Quiboloy’s home to arrest him, but he’s not found
“This incident occurred within a place of worship and [on] school premises, which is absolutely unacceptable,” the former chief executive said.
“Will this overkill be the trademark of this administration when dealing with individuals who are merely accused of committing a crime and have not been proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt?” he asked.
“Will they exhibit the same lack of self-restraint they have shown towards critics of this administration when dealing with their supporters?” he wondered.
“How can this administration guarantee the preservation of the constitutional rights of our fellow Filipinos when even the most fundamental of these rights are being trampled upon and blatantly violated?” he expressed dismay.
Earlier, Police Regional Office 11—Public Information Office Chief Major Catherine Dela Rey said the arrest warrants were served around 4 a.m. on June 10 (Monday) in Quiboloy’s compound in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City.
Although there was resistance among Quiboloy’s supporters “at first,” Dela Rey said they were still able to serve the arrest warrants “peacefully.”
Quiboloy and five others were not found in the area.
On April 3, a Davao Regional Trial Court issued arrest orders against Quiboloy and his subordinates Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Camanes and Jackiely Roy.
They are facing charges of violating Republic Act 7610, or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment.
On April 11, a Pasig City court also issued a warrant for the arrest of the self-proclaimed “appointed son of God” for qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense.
Apart from these cases, an arrest order for Quiboloy from the Senate panel on women headed by Senator Risa Hontiveros had also been released.