Dela Rosa panel urged to probe PNP’s ‘excessive force’ vs Quiboloy

FILE PHOTO: Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa during the interpellation period on Senate Bill No. 2501 or the Act Providing a New Separation, Retirement and Pension System for the Military and the Uniformed Personnel Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s panel has been urged to investigate the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) alleged “unnecessary and excessive force” during a failed attempt to arrest Apollo Quiboloy.

Sen. Robin Padilla formally asked for the probe through Senate Resolution No. 1051, which he filed on Tuesday. He said the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, chaired by dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, should look into the matter.

The subject of the investigation is the June 10 raid conducted by 100 policemen who stormed the premises of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compounds in Davao City to serve the warrants of arrest against its leader.

READ: PNP to file raps vs KJC members who tried to attack cops serving warrant

Quiboloy has been wanted for child abuse, sexual abuse, and qualified trafficking cases filed against him in Davao and Pasig courts.

“While the PNP claimed that what they conducted was a lawful operation with strict compliance with legal security protocols and with due respect to all parties, [KJC] members attested that the heavily armed police operatives entered the property using unnecessary and unrestrained force,” Padilla said in the resolution.

The measure cited past incidents when the PNP was called out for its use of excessive force in the service of its warrants.

READ: Quiboloy sect: PNP ‘not telling truth’ on June 10 operation in Davao

It likewise pointed out that in the lawful performance of duty, the Revised PNP Operational Procedures dictates that “only necessary and reasonable force should be used to accomplish the task of enforcing the law and maintaining peace and order.”

“In serving warrants, law enforcement should take into consideration the totality of the situation at hand, which should not in any way violate the dignity of persons,” the resolution further said.

Padilla reiterated the need for the police force to promote and protect human rights in order to maintain public order and safety as well as respect for the rule of law.