THE Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership maintained there was ‘no overkill’ in the way its officers served the warrants of arrest issued against former President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s spiritual adviser and best friend Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy in the Davao City properties of the self-proclaimed ‘Son of God’ on Monday.

“The Philippine National Police carried out a lawful operation to serve warrants of arrest for Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and five others in Davao City . This operation was conducted in strict compliance with legal security protocols and with due respect for all involved parties,” said PNP spokesperson, Colonel Jean S. Fajardo in a press statement.

The official, speaking in behalf of PNP chief, General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said an appropriate number of policemen were involved in the operation to keep peace and order in the KOJC areas which were surrounded by hundreds of Quiboloy fanatics who jeered the lawmen.

“Recognizing the high-profile nature of the subject, the PNP ensured the presence of an appropriate number of officers during the operation to maintain order and prevent any unforeseen incidents. We are pleased to report that the execution of the warrant was conducted without any harm to anyone,” Col. Fajardo said.

According to the official, the operation was conducted simultaneously in three locations: the KOJC compound in the Buhangin district, which houses the Jose Maria College; the sprawling 25-hectare Glory Mountain in Barangay Tamayong; and the adjacent 50-hectare Prayer Mountain.

She added that these locations were carefully chosen based on verified information indicating Pastor Quiboloy’s frequent visits to these areas.

“Before the operation, the PNP coordinated closely with local officials to ensure a peaceful and orderly execution, minimizing any potential disruptions to the community.

Furthermore, the PNP strictly adhered to the guidelines outlined in the PNP Operational Procedures Manual, which underscore the importance of upholding human rights and conducting police operations with integrity,” Col. Fajardo added.

The PNP leadership continued its appeal to Quiboloy to yield and face the charges against him in court.

“We appeal to Pastor Quiboloy to peacefully surrender, accept the warrant, and address the charges brought against him. We also urge his supporters to respect the legal process and the fundamental laws that govern our society,” said Col. Fajardo as she maintained the commitment of the PNP to serve and safeguard the public and uphold the principles of justice and equality under the law.

On Tuesday, former President Duterte accused the government of “overkill” in its hunt for his friend Quiboloy claiming that policemen used “excessive force” to enter and search the properties of the KOJC leader.

“I strongly condemn the use of excessive and unnecessary force in serving the warrant of arrest for Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of the [KJC] by police officers who are not even from Davao City,” Duterte said in a statement.

More than 100 policemen from the PNP Special Action Force, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and officers from nearby police regional offices were involved in the service of the search warrants.

As much as possible, local police, military and other law enforcement officers who are known to have developed ‘close ties’ with Duterte and Quiboloy are not being involved in the ‘get Guiboloy operation’ to prevent possible leaks.

The operation to get Quiboloy was disrupted by the presence of dozens of Quiboloy supporters led by a megaphone-using supporter who massed up in front of the KOJC compound to call for justice for their leader and claim he is just a victim of trumped-up charges made by their former members who have an ax to grind against the religious group.

Senior police officials managed to enter the KOJC compound by using a helicopter around 5 in the morning. Four police teams were allowed by Quiboloy’s legal counsel to search the compound.

They were met with loud boos from die-hard supporters of Quiboloy.

Quiboloy is facing criminal charges for child abuse, sexual abuse and qualified trafficking in separate Davao and Pasig city regional trial courts.

PRO11 spokesperson, Major Catherin dela Rey said the warrants of arrest were ‘peacefully served’ by officers amid the resistance from Quiboloy’s fanatics.

“Supporters and followers of KJC were urged to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing implementation of court processes,” she said.

“Authorities emphasize that this action is based on the lawful order of the court and due process to address these serious charges,” the official added.

Quiboloy, along with his and his co-accused Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Camanes and Jackiely Roy were ordered arrested by a Davao City court last April 3 for violation of Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and under Section 10(a) of the same act.

Eight days later, a Pasig City judge also ordered the arrest of Quiboloy for qualified human trafficking which is a non-bailable offense.

Quiboloy was also ordered arrested by the Senate panel on women for repeatedly ignoring summons sent to him during the initial investigation of the charges against him.