Press Release - Dela Rosa: Opening statement

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER AND DANGEROUS DRUGS
PROPOSED SENATE RESOLUTION 1051
EXCESSIVE FORCE USED BY THE PNP WITHIN THE PREMISES OF THE KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST
Pecson Room, 10 A.M.
August 5, 2024

Magandang umaga sa lahat!

Excessive. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines excessive as "exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal." Interestingly, so much of what we shall be discussing today hinges on this very word. Sa katunayan nga, mukhang ang salitang iyan ang magiging sentro ng ating talakayan sa pagdinig na ito. In the end, ladies and gentlemen, what is meant by "excessive force"? How is it determined, how is it measured?

As reported in the news, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, along with five others, was charged with sexual abuse and "other acts of abuse" under Republic Act No. 7610 in March this year. They were also charged with qualified human trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208.

Last April, the warrant of arrest was issued against Pastor Quiboloy and the five other individuals. Unfortunately, authorities were unable to serve the warrant against the Pastor. Apparently, he could not be found.

This is what now brings us to the June 10, 2024 incident. The PNP conducted an operation simultaneously in three locations within Davao City in order to serve the warrant against Pastor Quiboloy. Let us watch this video.

[VIDEO PLAYS]

Ngayon, balikan natin iyong ating naunang tanong. Ano nga bang ibig sabihin ng salitang "excessive"? Paano ba natin masasabi na "sumobra" ang PNP sa ginamit nilang puwersa?

On one hand, the PNP categorically states that it was a lawful operation. According to them, it was done in proper coordination with local officials; na sinunod lamang nila ang kanilang Operational Procedures Manual; at wala silang ginawang hindi naaayon at ipinahihintulot ng batas. Ang tanging intensyon nila ay ang maisilbi ang warrant of arrest. Bilang isang dating pulis, gusto kong sabihin sa PNP: naiintindihan ko kayo.

However, there are complaints from the members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ that the PNP's use of force was allegedly excessive. Ang nasabing operation umano ay "overkill". Ayon sa mga