DAVAO CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte delivered a fiery and impassioned message to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) on Sunday, urging members to wield their “words of God” against the police forces and to demonstrate peace despite the tense standoff. Her speech came amid the ongoing crackdown against Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and his co-accused, who face serious charges including large-scale human trafficking and sexual abuse.
“Always remember, I may not be there for your happy days, but I am always with you in your sadness. I will always be with you in your darkness,” Duterte declared during the 39th Founding Anniversary celebration at the KOJC compound. Her powerful words were meant to reassure the faithful as police operations to arrest Quiboloy entered their ninth day.
The Vice President, addressing the congregation, asserted that “good triumphs over evil” and reassured them that they would not be broken by the ongoing turmoil. She condemned what she described as the authorities’ “abuse of power” and “assault on members’ exercise of freedom of religion,” criticizing the continued police presence within the KOJC premises.
“If they bring you violence, give them peace. Show them peace. Let them understand that this is not about me and you. This is about the abuse of power and the assault on the freedom of religion,” Duterte asserted. She encouraged the KOJC members to remain steadfast and not to be intimidated by the significant police deployment, which she said was meant to scare but ultimately serves to reveal the true state of justice in the country.
In her stirring address, Duterte emphasized that despite the overwhelming police presence — described as up to 5,000 officers — the KOJC members should not be daunted. “They were sent here to scare you, but the Lord sent you to make them understand,” she said, affirming that God’s power and protection are with them.
As tensions continue, Brio. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba of the Special Task Group TEKNON Alpha confirmed that around 2,000 police officers have been stationed at the KOJC compound to enforce peace while arrest warrants are served on Quiboloy and his co-accused. Duterte’s call for peace and faith amid the crisis reflects her commitment to standing by the KOJC community during this challenging period.
