Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) honorary chairperson Apollo Quiboloy expresses his gratitude during the Memorandum of Partnership Agreement between the Philippine Army and SMNI at ACQ Tower in Makati City on October 24, 2022. Philippine Army handout photo

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte claims the administration is “demonizing” Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, who has pending warrants of arrest for abuse and trafficking cases, to divert public attention from "corruption, incompetence and abuse of authority" in the country.

Duterte’s claim was made in a statement read before the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which is holding a hearing into alleged excessive use of force in a June 10 attempt by the Philippine National Police to serve the warrants on Quiboloy at his properties in Davao City.

"It is unfortunate that the obssession of this administration to demonize Pastor Quiboloy even before he could be convicted by a court of law is a clear maneuver to divert attention from the deepening crises pawned by corruption, incompetence and abuse of authority," Duterte said. 

"It is with heavy heart that I am constrained to take action against all those responsible for the coordinated but illegal raid." 

The raid and the political backlash to it puts Duterte at odds with the Philippine National Police, an institution he vigorously defended during his presidency and which said the operations followed proper protocol.

Duterte said the police did not present search warrants during the raids, which he also said were illegal and were “overkill in any language.”

Duterte, who is administrator of KOJC’s properties, said he will take legal action over the raids.

The Senate hearing was prompted by a resolution filed by Sen. Robinhood Padilla and was presided over by Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, both of Duterte's PDP party.

'Secret': Duterte says he knows where Quiboloy is hiding

KOJC OFFICIAL: QUIBOLOY IN HIDING BUT NOT EVADING THE LAW

Eleanor Cardona, KOJC's executive secretary and who read Duterte’s statement into the record, also said that Quiboloy is “not evading the law” but is taking steps to ensure his safety.

“Haharapin [niya] ang alleged na mga accusation sa kaniya na human trafficking, rape at ano pa man na lahat na inaakusa ninyo na which is alam namin na di totoo," she said.

(He will face the human trafficking, rape and other allegations against him that you know are not true)

She said, though, that Quiboloy will only face the accusations “at the proper court” and if his safety will be ensured.

Cardona also speculated that Quiboloy is being falsely accused of crimes "because he is also the spiritual adviser and the friend of so many, especially the former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte."

Quiboloy had endorsed the UniTeam tandem of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte in the 2020 polls but that alliance has since fallen apart.

Cardona also repeated Quiboloy’s claim of a plot by the US to forcibly bring him to America to face charges including alleged sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling there.

“Sinabi na ‘yan ni pastor: ‘Wag lang makialam ang Amerika, i-secure yung seguridad ni pastor, haharapin niya lahat ng accusations niya sa korte."

RELATED: Quiboloy claims US-Marcos conspiracy against him

(The pastor has said it already: Don’t let the US interfere, ensure his security, and he will face the charges in court)

Cardona also claimed two of their members died because of trauma from the raid on one of the communities under Quiboloy's care. — from reports by RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News

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