Vice President Sara Duterte has condemned the police raid on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, which aimed to serve arrest warrants against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and others. The raid, involving around 2,000 police officers and riot squads, resulted in the death of a 50-year-old KOJC member due to a heart attack and caused several others to faint or require medical attention due to tear gas.
In a statement, Duterte criticized the “gross abuse of police power” during the raid, stating, “I vehemently condemn the gross abuse of police power in the takeover of the KOJC compound earlier today, which led to the harassment of religious worshipers, the abuse of minors, and the unnecessary loss of life.”
Duterte also expressed regret for her support of President Bongbong Marcos during the 2022 elections, particularly to the KOJC members, saying, “Kaya nais ko ring humingi ng kapatawaran sa lahat ng miyembro, deboto, at bumubuo ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ, sa paghikayat at pakiusap ko sa inyong iboto si Bongbong Marcos Jr. noong 2022. Nawa’y mapatawad ninyo ako” (“I would also like to ask for forgiveness from all members, devotees, and those involved with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ for encouraging you to vote for Bongbong Marcos Jr. in 2022. I hope you can forgive me”).
The Vice President’s statement reflects a rare public admission of regret and calls for accountability over the incident, which she described as a “blatant violation of Constitutionally-protected rights.”