Benhur Abalos Seeks Dismissal of Duterte’s Complaint
BENHUR ABALOS – The former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary filed a counter-affidavit on November 22, 2024, seeking the dismissal of a complaint filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The complaint concerns police operations that led to the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Abalos is accused of malicious mischief and violating property rights in relation to the execution of arrest warrants for Quiboloy and his co-accused, who face charges of human trafficking and child abuse for alleged crimes committed in 2011.
In his response, Abalos argued that there was no merit to the accusations against him, stating that no prima facie case exists for his indictment. He emphasized that he was not involved in the planning or execution of the arrest operations.
Abalos explained that the responsibility for the arrest operation did not fall under his duties, and he was not personally present when the warrants were executed. He also pointed out that the Department of Justice (DOJ) does not have jurisdiction over such matters, citing Republic Act (RA) 6770, the Ombudsman Act of 1989, which grants disciplinary authority over Cabinet members to the Office of the Ombudsman, not the DOJ.
Duterte, who filed the complaint in his capacity as administrator of KOJC properties, also accused Abalos of grave misconduct, abuse of authority, and unprofessional conduct. However, Abalos refuted these claims, asserting that the arrest orders for Quiboloy and his co-accused were issued by the courts, and he was not involved in their execution.
The case remains under preliminary investigation by the DOJ. Meanwhile, the complaint follows the September 2024 arrest of Quiboloy in Davao City after police raided his compound. Quiboloy, known for his controversial statements and close ties to Duterte, was arrested along with other members of his group. The charges stem from alleged human trafficking and child abuse, with many aspects of the case remaining under scrutiny as it progresses through the legal process.
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