Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Friday filed his counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to the complaints filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Duterte, who serves as Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property administrator, filed two counts of malicious mischief in connection with the arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
If we did not do what we were supposed to do, Pastor Quiboloy would not have been arrested yet… That is part of the job, we accepted your position. I knew that this would happen and that there would be lawsuits Abalos told reporters in Filipino.
He maintained that the operations were legal and that the police did not violate anything in arresting the religious leader.
If they had given in to fear, he would not have been arrested to face the charges added Abalos, who stepped down from the DILG post after filing his senatorial candidacy.
He thanked President Marcos for his trust and guidance that was extended to them during the arrest of Quiboloy.
Aside from Abalos, similar charges were also lodged against PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.
Quiboloy, who is also a senatorial aspirant, was arrested on Sept. 8, following a 24-hour ultimatum imposed by the police led by then Davao region director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
