Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has defended the deployment of 2,000 police officers to arrest Apollo Quiboloy, an influential pastor accused of sex trafficking.
The operation, which took place over the weekend, targeted the sprawling compound of Quiboloy's church in Davao City. According to Reuters, the pastor, who claims to be the "owner of the universe" and "appointed son of god," is believed to be hiding in a bunker within the premises.
President Marcos justified the large-scale police deployment, stating that it was necessary to ensure the safety and security of the area surrounding the church compound. The operation has sparked controversy and criticism from former allies, including ex-President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who have accused the police of rights violations and abuse of power.
President Marcos emphasized the necessity of a substantial police force, citing the extensive size of the church compound. He explained that the 30-hectare (74-acre) property required a considerable number of officers to secure effectively.
The president's comments came in response to questions about the scale of the operation, which involved hundreds of shield-carrying police officers attempting to enforce a court order for Quiboloy's arrest.
The operation faced resistance from Quiboloy's followers, who blocked the compound's gate, preventing law enforcement from entering. This standoff has raised concerns about the potential for escalation and the challenges faced by authorities in executing the arrest warrant.
Quiboloy's legal representative, Israelito Torreon, expressed strong disapproval of the police action. In an interview with ANC news channel, Torreon accused the police of turning the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound into a "garrison," suggesting an excessive and potentially intimidating presence.
The attempted arrest of Apollo Quiboloy carries significant political implications, given his close ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte. Quiboloy, who leads the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church and has millions of followers in the Philippines, is facing serious charges, including child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. He has consistently denied all allegations against him.
The case has further strained the relationship between President Marcos and the Duterte family. Vice President Sara Duterte, who recently left Marcos' cabinet, has been particularly vocal in her criticism of the operation. Her statement not only condemned the police action but also expressed regret for having persuaded members of Quiboloy's church to vote for Marcos in the 2022 election.
Sara Duterte said:
These acts are not only a blatant violation of constitutionally protected rights but a betrayal of the trust that we, Filipinos, place in the very institution sworn to protect and serve us.
The case against Apollo Quiboloy extends beyond the borders of the Philippines. The pastor is currently on the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's most wanted list, indicating the international scope of the allegations against him. This aspect of the case adds complexity to the situation, potentially involving diplomatic considerations.
In the Philippines, church leaders wield significant influence in politics. Quiboloy's case exemplifies the intricate relationship between religious figures and political power in the country. The support or opposition of religious leaders can have substantial impacts on electoral outcomes and policy decisions.
In conclusion, the attempted arrest of Apollo Quiboloy has sparked a complex political and legal situation in the Philippines. President Marcos has defended the large-scale police operation, citing security concerns and the size of the compound. The case has strained relationships between current and former political allies, with accusations of rights violations being leveled against the police. As the situation unfolds, it continues to highlight the intersection of religion, politics, and law enforcement in the Philippines.
