Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos filed a counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to two counts of malicious mischief filed against him by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The complaint filed by Duterte, as administrator of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) properties, pertains to the police operation conducted at the KOJC compound in Davao City that eventually led to the arrest of the self-proclaimed "appointed son of God."
According to Abalos, the operation was carried out as part of their duty when he was still the DILG Chief, emphasizing that if they had not taken action, Quiboloy might still be at large today.
Abalos defended the actions he took alongside Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Rommel Marbil, stating that their efforts were crucial in capturing Quiboloy, who was wanted for qualified human trafficking and sexual abuse.
"Tama ang ginawa ng kapulisyahan at ako'y nagpapasalamat sa ating mahal na Pangulo sa pagtitiwalang binigay niya," Abalos said in an ambush interview at DOJ on Friday.
Duterte, together with others, lodged a case against Abalos and several PNP officials related to the said police operation.
On September 9, Quiboloy fell into the hands of the authorities after days of manhunt operation at the KOJC compound to serve his arrest warrant.
