VP Sara questions excessive use of force in serving warrant vs Quiboloy

Vice President Sara Duterte (left) calls just and humane enforcement of law iby authorities. Photo from Inday Sara Duterte’s Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte supported calls for just and humane law enforcement in relation to what she called “questionable” display of force and authority during the serving of arrest warrants against fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and five others.

Duterte was referring to the Philippine National Police’s simultaneous serving of arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his subordinates—Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Camanes, and Jackiely Roy—in his several properties in Davao City on Monday.

READ: Latest police attempt to arrest Quiboloy fails

“Kaisa ako sa mga nananawagan ng maayos, katanggap-tanggap, at makataong pagpapairal ng batas at pagtataguyod ng hustisya sa ating bansa,” Duterte said in a statement on Tuesday.

(I am one with those calling for the proper, acceptable, and humane enforcement of the law and the promotion of justice in our country.)

“Kasunod ito ng magulong pagpapatupad ng arrest warrant kay Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy kahapon na sanhi ng kwestyonableng pagpapakita ng labis na pwersa at otoridad sa harap ng mga sibilyan,” she added.

(This follows the chaotic execution of the arrest warrant for Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy yesterday, which involved a questionable display of excessive force and authority in front of civilians.)

Duterte also noted that the safety of everyone, particularly civilians and the youth, must always be prioritized when enforcing the law.

“Huwag din sana nating kalimutan na ang pandarahas sa ating mga mamamayan ay paglapastangan sa ating demokrasya,” she added.

(Let us also not forget that violence against our citizens is an affront to our democracy.)

“Sana ay mapanatili natin ang respeto, kaayusan, at kapayapaan sa ating bansa. Maging laging mahinahon din sana ang mga Dabawenyo at ang buong sambayanang Pilipino, at magkaisa ang lahat sa pananalangin para sa katotohanan at hustisya,” the vice president also said.

(I hope we can maintain respect, order, and peace in our country. May the people of Davao and the entire Filipino nation always remain calm, and may everyone unite in prayer for truth and justice.)

Police Regional Office 11—Public Information Office Chief Major Catherine Dela Rey said that arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused were served around 4 a.m. on June 10 in his compound in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City.

However, Quiboloy and the five others were not found in the area.

READ: ‘Excessive, unnecessary force’ used in bid to get Quiboloy – Ex-Pres. Duterte

In an earlier statement, former President Rodrigo Duterte also decried what he described as “excessive and unnecessary force” during the serving of arrest warrants against the self-proclaimed “appointed son of God.”

“This incident occurred within a place of worship and [on] school premises, which is absolutely unacceptable,” the former head of state 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.