PNP defends Quiboloy raid, searches ongoing

The Philippine National Police (PNP) defended their operation to serve an arrest warrant for televangelist Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City, stating it followed legal and police operational procedures.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday reiterated that the search operations are meant to let the law take its course, dismissing allegations of political motivations.

Vice President Sara Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte criticized the August 24 raid, but PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo said the operation was conducted properly without overstepping its bounds.

During a rally by Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) members protesting the arrest warrants, five policemen were injured when protesters attacked them with 'pamalo', while KOJC supporters also blocked Davao International Airport gates.

Police continue to search for Quiboloy and four other accused in child abuse and human trafficking cases within a 10-hectare compound using special equipment that detected possible heartbeats under concrete areas, but found no sign of the fugitive pastor.