Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos stood firm that the government agency is merely performing its duties, despite receiving complaints about excessive force used by the police in their search for Pastor Quiboloy in Davao City.
"Hindi ko po kilala si Pastor Quiboloy. Ginagalang ko ang kanyang relihiyon, ang kanyang pagkatao. Pero sana maunawaan po ninyo, trabaho po namin ito," Abalos said during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, on Tuesday.
Abalos detailed the various warrants of arrest issued by the courts against the pastor, stating that they must be enforced.
The Secretary emphasized that these are serious charges, such as human trafficking, child abuse, and rape, which Quiboloy must face. Additionally, there are separate warrants issued against him by the Senate and from the United States.
Abalos reiterated that if Quiboloy is truly innocent, the best course of action for him is to come forward and face the court.
He also insisted that they cannot shirk their duty, as doing so would jeopardize the country's democracy.
"Tandaan natin na ang basehan ng demokrasya ay ang hustisya at ang basehan ng hustisya ay ang batas. ‘Yan ang pinapatupad namin. Kung hindi namin gagawin ‘yan, babagsak ang buong bansa," said Abalos.
Quiboloy's camp continues to question the measures taken, particularly the alleged violent entry into various properties owned by the pastor in Davao City. They are also challenging the ten-million-peso bounty placed on Quiboloy's head.
