NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DOJ Junks Duterte's Raps Against Abalos, Top Cops Over KOJC Warrant Service: No Proof Of Crime, Just Lawful Duty
FILE
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has officially dismissed the complaints filed by former President Rodrigo Duterte against former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and several high-ranking Philippine National Police (PNP) officials.
At the heart of the issue? The service of a warrant at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City. Duterte had accused Abalos and the police officers of violating the law when they enforced the warrant. But after a careful review, the DOJ made it clear: there’s just no case here.
In a strongly worded resolution, the DOJ said the complaints simply lacked the kind of solid evidence needed to move forward. “Criminal liability doesn’t come from your position or title,” the resolution emphasized. “It must be based on your own act—or omission.”
The justice department pointed out that there was no sign any of the accused personally committed a crime or ordered one to be committed. Instead, their actions appeared to be within the bounds of their duties—and protected by the presumption of regularity in the performance of official functions.
Simply put, just being the one in charge doesn’t automatically make you criminally liable. “Prosecutions can’t be based on rank or authority alone,” the DOJ said. “You need evidence of actual, intentional wrongdoing. And in this case, there’s none.”
The charges in question? Violation of domicile (Article 128) and malicious mischief (Article 327) under the Revised Penal Code. But with no concrete proof of malice or unlawful intent, the DOJ said there’s no probable cause to indict.
So, to wrap it up: Secretary Benhur Abalos, along with Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil and eight other police officers, are officially off the hook. No charges. No case. Just a firm reminder from the DOJ that in the Philippine justice system, due process and individual accountability are non-negotiable.
At the heart of the issue? The service of a warrant at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City. Duterte had accused Abalos and the police officers of violating the law when they enforced the warrant. But after a careful review, the DOJ made it clear: there’s just no case here.
In a strongly worded resolution, the DOJ said the complaints simply lacked the kind of solid evidence needed to move forward. “Criminal liability doesn’t come from your position or title,” the resolution emphasized. “It must be based on your own act—or omission.”
The justice department pointed out that there was no sign any of the accused personally committed a crime or ordered one to be committed. Instead, their actions appeared to be within the bounds of their duties—and protected by the presumption of regularity in the performance of official functions.
Simply put, just being the one in charge doesn’t automatically make you criminally liable. “Prosecutions can’t be based on rank or authority alone,” the DOJ said. “You need evidence of actual, intentional wrongdoing. And in this case, there’s none.”
The charges in question? Violation of domicile (Article 128) and malicious mischief (Article 327) under the Revised Penal Code. But with no concrete proof of malice or unlawful intent, the DOJ said there’s no probable cause to indict.
So, to wrap it up: Secretary Benhur Abalos, along with Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil and eight other police officers, are officially off the hook. No charges. No case. Just a firm reminder from the DOJ that in the Philippine justice system, due process and individual accountability are non-negotiable.
May 22, 2025
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