FACT CHECK: VP Duterte’s claim that Quiboloy hunt is about religious freedom misleads

Vice President Sara Duterte has claimed that the police operations in pursuit of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) pastor Apollo Quiboloy is an “assault on the freedom of religion” of his followers protesting at the KOJC compound in Davao City.

This is misleading. The police officers deployed at the compound were implementing arrest warrants for Quiboloy from the Senate and the court for criminal offenses such as abuse and rape of minors, regardless of religious affiliations.

STATEMENT

In her speech at the 39th anniversary of KOJC on Sept. 1 in Davao City, Duterte spoke about the standstill between the Philippine National Police and KOJC members. Describing Quiboloy’s “kingdom nation” as “the expert on peace” and Davaoeños as “peace-loving” Filipinos, the vice president said:

“If they bring you violence, give them peace. Show them peace. Make them understand that this is not about me and you. This is about the abuse of power and the assault on the freedom of religion.”

Source: SMNI Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa Facebook page, VP Sara’s KOJC anniversary speech w/ Tagalog subs, Sept. 1, 2024, watch from 15:48 to 16:19

FACT

The Philippine National Police was enforcing court orders for the arrest of Quiboloy in relation to cases of human trafficking, child abuse and sexual assault. The Senate also has a standing contempt, arrest and detention order for the KOJC leader.

Section 5 Article III of the 1987 Constitution protects the right to freedom of religion, stating that “no law shall be made […] prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed.”

The Davao and Pasig regional trial courts have issued warrants of arrest for the Davao-based pastor on April 1 and 11, respectively.

Quiboloy has been in hiding since April after the Pasig court released a warrant for his arrest. He repeatedly failed to show up at the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality investigating alleged abuses in the KOJC. His absences then prompted the committee to issue an order on March 19 for his arrest.

The cases pending at the regional trial courts alleged that the fugitive pastor violated Republic Act (RA) No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and RA No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The Department of Justice, in a press release dated April 8, claimed that Quiboloy sexually abused and forced a 17-year-old victim “to work under the guise of religious service.” The pastor allegedly raped the victim in 2014. Witnesses testified at the Senate, accusing Quiboloy of various forms of abuse.

Quiboloy surrendered on Sunday night, putting an end to the 15-day standoff at the KOJC compound.