Vice President Sara Duterte describes the ongoing investigation into fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy as a mere “public process”. | PHOTOS: Official Facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte and official X-account of Apollo Quiboloy
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil on Sunday urged the “political backers and influential followers” of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy to show true leadership and advise him to abide by the law.
He also called on members of the Quiboloy-founded Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) to “align their actions with the teachings of the Bible” and submit to legitimate authority, as stated in Romans 13:1.
Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, condemned the August 24 operation at the KJC complex in Davao City in which 2,000 PNP members executed arrest warrants against Quiboloy and others.
“I would like to use this opportunity to address the political supporters and influential followers of fugitive Apollo C. Quiboloy. I respectfully urge you to show true leadership by advising Mr. Quiboloy to abide by the rule of law and pursue the allegations against him through the proper legal channels,” Marbil said.
“As a nation, we are all bound by the rule of law and must uphold these principles without exception. This matter goes beyond legal obligations; it is a testament to the principle that no one is above the law,” he added.
READ: Vice President Duterte condemns recent raid on KJC, asks forgiveness for Marcos election appeal
The PNP chief also told Quiboloy’s “political supporters and well-wishers” that “obstruction of justice and harboring a fugitive or complicity in such acts are serious offenses.”
“The KJC and its members must act in accordance with the teachings of the Bible, which instructs us to respect and submit to legitimate authority. As Romans 13:1 states, ‘Let every person be subject to the authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and if there is any authority, it is established by God,'” Marbil said.
In a separate statement, the PNP said there were “no deaths directly attributable to the actions of law enforcement agencies.”
Police said 51-year-old food vendor Edwin Escubido Cababat lost consciousness during the raid and was rushed to a medical center by Davao police at 5:56 a.m. on August 24. However, he was pronounced dead upon arrival due to “an underlying medical condition.”
Marbil said the PNP extends its deepest condolences to Cababat’s family and loved ones.
“It is important to clarify that this was an isolated incident and had no direct connection to the operation itself,” he added.
The PNP also clarified that the operations were not an attack on the KJC or their religious beliefs.
“We call on Pastor Quiboloy and his co-defendants to surrender peacefully to prevent further escalation. Their safety will be fully ensured. We also call on all supporters to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved,” the PNP said.
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“The law applies equally to everyone and any attempt to evade justice undermines the foundations of our society. I encourage KOJC members to act according to their beliefs and not allow themselves to be abused in a way that violates the rule of law,” Marbil said.
