BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who also serves as the national chairman of the League of Cities of the Philippines, has voiced his support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) efforts to combat child abuse and human trafficking. This comes amid ongoing Senate inquiries related to a police operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) premises in Davao City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Benitez expressed his confidence in the leadership of DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., stating, “I fully support Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and his efforts to combat child abuse, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation.” The mayor emphasized that Bacolod City is committed to cooperating with the national government to protect citizens and uphold the law.
The Senate inquiry is examining the legality of a PHP10 million reward offered for information leading to the arrest of KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy, who faces multiple arrest warrants related to child and sexual abuse, as well as human trafficking. The police operation on June 10, which involved five of Quiboloy’s properties in Davao, has been criticized for alleged excessive use of force by the Philippine National Police.