Palace: No politics in Quiboloy arrest order

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin called on the camp of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy yesterday to respect the justice system even as he denied that the arrest order for the religious leader was politically motivated.

Bersamin made the remarks days after thousands of police led by Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Police Regional Office 11 chief, raided the KOJC compound in Davao City in search of Quiboloy, who is accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

“It’s easy to say politically motivated but that is not true,” Bersamin told reporters on the sidelines of the commemoration of National Heroes Day in Taguig City.

“The law must take its course… He is answerable to the law. The law must take its course. There is a process there,” the former chief justice said.

President Marcos was also present at the National Heroes Day event but did not give a media interview.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos called on Quiboloy to surrender as members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) continue to search for him at the KOJC compound.

“I reiterate my appeal to Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused to surrender and face the charges of child abuse, sexual abuse and human trafficking. The surrender of Quiboloy is the only means for him to prove that he still respects the law,” Abalos said.

Senate President Francis Escudero also called on Quiboloy to surrender to avoid worsening the situation “where there may be more needless loss of lives as well as an increasing disrespect for the rule of law and our law enforcers.” Sen. Ronald dela Rosa made the same call, saying Quiboloy should face the charges because he “cannot hide forever.”

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the commotion at the KOJC compound “would not have reached this kind of chaos if he (Quiboloy) had appeared in the Senate or in court since the beginning.”A huge number of KOJC members reportedly blocked the national highway at Buhangin in Davao City, where the group’s compound is located, on Sunday evening, forcing several passengers to walk to the Davao City International Airport as some vehicles could not pass due to the protest. Quiboloy’s camp accused police officers of