Photo courtesy of PNP PRO 11.
DAVAO CITY (PIA)—Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos has commended the Philippine National Police for its performance in the operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound, which led to the arrest of the group’s leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
“It is with great honor and pride that I stand before you today to speak on a mission that has truly exemplified the dedication, gallantry, bravery, and effectiveness of our police force,” Abalos said during his speech Friday, Sept. 27, in the parade grounds of Camp Quintin Merecido in Davao City, the headquarters of Police Regional Office 11.
Abalos was at the camp as a guest of honor in the turnover ceremony of the PRO-11 leadership to new acting regional director P/Brig. General Leon Victor Rosete from P/Brig. General Nicolas Torre III.
The DILG chief said the KOJC operation also showed the power of unity, intelligence, and strategic planning.
“Etong mission na ito, napakahirap (this mission was very difficult); it’s no small task; it required utmost intelligence gathering, coordination, and, of course, ang tiwala sa isa’t isa, at pinakamahalaga sa lahat: a strong sense of duty (trust in everyone and the most important: a strong sense of duty),” he said.
The KOJC raid began early in the in the morning of August 24 when 2,000 policemen led by P/Brig. Gen. Torre swooped down on the 27-hectare KOJC compound beside the Davao International Airport to serve the warrant of arrest on Quiboloy, who is facing numerous charges of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual abuse.
The operation ended on September 8 when the pastor was taken into custody by the authorities.
Sec. Abalos said the KOJC operation was more than just enforcing the law but was about ensuring the safety and security of the community and upholding the rule of law.
“At the heart of this operation were the men and women of the PNP who risked their lives, showing incredible courage and resilience led by our chief PNP (Rommel) Marbil and, of course, ang ating RD po na nag-lead po nito, si Nicolas Torre,” Sec. Abalos said.
“Napakagagaling ninyo, tunay na mga bayani kayo (You were very good; you are real heroes),” the secretary said to the PNP personnel involved in the 16-day raid. (PIA/RGA)
