“Only one person was being searched for, yet six hundred arrived. In terms of the law, this shows an abuse of power. This is not in line with proper decorum and procedure,” according to Atty. Mike Rama, City Mayor.
Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama did not appreciate the police operations in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compounds.
According to their lawyers, the use of force by the PNP-Special Action Force and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) against the unarmed KOJC missionaries is questionable.
“What is happening to our country? What’s going on? Is this normal now?” Rama remarks.
Mayor Rama questioned the operation since the police only had an arrest warrant, not a search warrant.
Therefore, they had no right to search the church’s properties.
“There was no search warrant or anything that could be called an arrest. What kind of operation is this? This is unacceptable. Are we in martial law now? Have we forgotten the basic principles of human rights protection?” Rama added.
Mayor Rama stated that he personally knows Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, who was the target of the police operation.
He is upset about the judgment against the good Pastor.
“I have been there. I was invited and interviewed there. That’s why I felt bad. I also visited the place in the mountains. I went there, so I disagree with this. I don’t think it is in accordance with the rule of law,” he expressed.
Mayor Rama leaves his suspension order to God.
It’s clear to the Mayor that his approval of the Maisug Peace Rally in Cebu City is the reason for his six-month suspension.
In addition to him, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib was also suspended after allowing the Maisug Peace Rally in Tagum City.
In the end, Mayor Rama stands by his friendship with Pastor Apollo.
True friendship means no one is left behind.
“I’m here. I am your friend. I am a friend. And I will not disown Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. I have been your friend. And I will continue to be with SMNI—friends forever and ever, amen,” he concluded.
