Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin —Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin has urged Vice President Sara Duterte to defend trafficking victims, and not those who are accused of violating laws against human trafficking.
Garin on Monday said this after the Vice President condemned the police operation seeking to arrest Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing child abuse and human trafficking charges.
According to Garin, she is concerned over Duterte’s remarks as it appeared that the Vice President preferred defending a powerful figure accused of heinous crimes, rather than seeking justice for the victims.
READ: VP Duterte condemns latest KJC raid, asks forgiveness for Marcos vote plea
“As a mother, a woman, and a public servant, I cannot remain silent in the face of Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statement concerning the [KJC] and the ongoing legal actions against its leaders,” Garin said.
“While Vice President Duterte expresses concern over the police’s implementation of lawful warrants, I find it troubling that her sympathies appear to lie more with a powerful figure wanted for serious crimes rather than with the vulnerable women and minors who have suffered at the hands of an accused predator,” she added.
Garin noted that the cases against Quiboloy carry a heavy weight—as these are supported by “substantial evidence” which should be answered and addressed.
READ: VP Duterte condemns latest KJC raid, asks forgiveness for Marcos vote plea
Not trivial matters
“These are not trivial matters to be dismissed or overshadowed by political spin. The real issue here is justice for the victims—innocent individuals whose lives have been irrevocably harmed,” Garin said.
“Instead of addressing these serious concerns, Vice President Duterte’s statement seems to shift the narrative away from the need for justice and accountability,” she added.
Duterte on Sunday vehemently condemned what she called a “gross abuse of police power” used by authorities during operations to arrest Quiboloy, who is believed to be inside the KJC compound in Buhangin District, Davao City.
Last Saturday, around 2,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided the compound, leading church members to stage protests in the vicinity of Buhangin District.
Duterte also apologized to KJC members for asking them to vote for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 polls.
But Garin said that the country’s own leaders should prioritize the rights and safety of all Filipinos—especially children and the most vulnerable sectors.
“It is essential that our leaders prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable among us, not the defense of those with power and influence who have been accused of heinous crimes,” she said.
“The message from the Vice President may resonate with those who supported her in the 2022 elections, but it must also be recognized for what it is—a deflection from the grave issues at hand,” Garin said. “I urge all Filipinos, particularly mothers and fathers, to consider the implications of her words and to stand firmly on the side of justice and the protection of our children.
Praise for law enforcers
Aside from Garin, other government officials praised law enforcers for upholding their sworn duty even in the face of criticism. Earlier, the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, a coalition of five political parties, have expressed support for the PNP’s exercise of their duties amid allegations of an overkill in implementing the arrest against Quiboloy.
PBA party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles also commended the PNP and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 11 for rescuing two alleged human trafficking victims at the KJC compound.
“I applaud the PNP and DSWD for their decisive action in rescuing these young individuals from what appears to be a deeply troubling situation. The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially the most vulnerable, must always be a top priority,” Nograles said.
“However, I also strongly condemn anyone who attempts to defend or downplay the severity of these crimes. Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, and those responsible, including any accomplices, must be held accountable,” she added.
Nograles also said that human trafficking is a serious crime that must not be taken lightly.
“Human trafficking is not something to be dismissed or ignored. Allowing it to happen within one’s premises is serious, but being complicit in such heinous acts is an even graver offense. Pastor Quiboloy did not act alone—we must ask: Who are his accomplices? Those managing the property, those aware of its operations, and those who allowed such crimes against humanity to occur?” she asked.
“This incident is alarming and underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the operations within the KOJC compound. I urge the authorities to leave no stone unturned in this investigation and to ensure that justice is served swiftly and fairly,” she added.