The divide between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte widened as the latter sought forgiveness from Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) members for advocating their vote for Marcos in 2022.
Duterte also condemned what she described as “gross abuse of police power in the takeover of the KOJC compound.”
A contingent of 2,000 police officers stormed the KOJC compound in Davao City on Saturday in an attempt to serve arrest warrants to evangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing charges of abuse and human trafficking.
In a statement on Sunday, Duterte questioned the extraordinary force used by the police in entering the compound, speculating whether it was influenced by Quiboloy’s support for the Dutertes.
“That is why I also want to ask forgiveness from all the members, devotees, and individuals who make up the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, for my urging and appeal to you to vote for Bongbong Marcos Jr. in 2022,” she said.
Duterte was Marcos’ running mate under the UniTeam in 2022. One KOJC member died during the raid.
Nearly 36 hours later, police were still searching the 30-hectare compound for signs of Quiboloy’s whereabouts.
“We just haven’t been able to find him due to their well-planned movements within the compound,” said BGen. Nicolas Torre III.
Torre mentioned receiving information that Quiboloy uses various disguises to evade arrest, including dressing up as a woman.
Senator Imee Marcos condemned the excessive force used in the arrest attempt on Quiboloy. She emphasized that there are other ways to apprehend Quiboloy without resorting to overwhelming force.