Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, shrouded in scarves, along with other accused individuals, is presented during a briefing at the PNP Headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on September 9, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Department of Justice said police actions in the raid on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City were within the lawful performance of their duties and dismissed complaints filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte filed the malicious mischief and violation of domicile complaints against then Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and police officials led by Philippine National Police chief Rommel Francisco Marbil.

The complaints were filed last September after the search for and eventual arrest of KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy for qualified human trafficking and other cases.

“Absent any overt act that constitutes an element of the crimes charged, and in the absence of malice, unlawful intent, or personal participation, this office finds that no probable cause exists to warrant the indictment of the respondents,” Davao City Acting City Prosecutor Angelica Laygo-Francisco said in a joint resolution dated May 13.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte files cases vs. Abalos, Marbil over Quiboloy raid

Other respondents in Duterte’s complaint were police officials Aligre Martinez, Ronald Oliver Lee, Edwin Portento, Mark Pespes, Ricardo Layug Jr, Joselito Clarito, Isralin Lauren, Lino Akiangan.

Duterte’s complaint stemmed from the events that transpired on June 10, 2024 when a contingent of 400 police officers conducted an operation at the Glory Mountain Compound in Barangay Tamayong in Davao City.

Police allegedly breached the gate and injured several individuals. They also allegedly damaged the gate of the KOJC Central Compound when they tried to enter.

RESPONDENTS: IT WAS A LEGAL OPERATION

In their counter-affidavits, the respondents denied participation in the acts Duterte alleged.

They also stressed that the police were carrying out a judicial function and were presumed to be acting in good faith and within the bounds of their authority.

Duterte however insisted that the respondents be held accountable not only for direct participation but also under the theories of conspiracy, inducement and failure to supervise, given their leadership roles in the PNP.

Laygo-Francisco said the actions of the respondents fell within the realm of lawful performance of their duties.

“The totality of evidence fails to show that they personally committed or directed the commission of either malicious mischief or violation of domicile,” Laygo-Francisco said.

In a statement, Abalos said the decision affirmed that actions during the operation were in accordance with the law.

“This is the end of the matter. The truth has prevailed,” Abalos said.