THE PNP yesterday said 29 members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) have been arrested and charged with direct assault and obstruction of justice in relation to the injuries sustained by some 60 policemen who are part of the team implementing warrants of arrest against fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Davao police regional police spokesperson Maj. Catherine Dela Rey said the police were injured due to the unruly behavior of Quiboloy’s followers who are opposing the continuing search of the 30-hectare KOJC compound.
“Meron tayong nakasuhan na 29 na KOJC members. Currently ‘yung iba, nasa Davao City Police Office custodial facility po sila. ‘Yung update sa akin (Wednesday), they are processing for their bail (We have filed complaints against 29 KOJC members. Some of them are currently in the Davao City Police Office custodial facility. The update given to me [Wednesday] was that they were processing for their bail),” Dela Rey said.
She added that “assorted cases” were filed against the religious group’s members.
Dela Rey said the number of policemen hurt during the six-day search of Quiboloy’s property is currently at 60.
“We already have 60 injured PNP members. This is since Saturday up to yesterday (Wednesday), up to today (Thursday),” she said, adding that many of the policemen were hurt last Sunday when over a thousand KOJC members held a rally outside the compound to demand what they said was justice for Quiboloy.
“Most of them (policemen) were injured during their rally, they (KOJC) were so violent at that time. This is due to the violent actions of the KOJC members, their resistance (to the police operation),” said Dela Rey.
The protesters, she said, threw stones, chairs and even urine at the policemen during the rally.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said that, “overall, there are around 60 (policemen injured). They sustained minor bruises. Some were hit in the head by stones they (KOJC members) threw.”
Dela Rey said the PNP medical personnel assisted 26 members of the religious group during the rally “for various diagnosis.”
Policemen swooped down at the KOJC compound last Saturday to serve arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused issued by the Pasig and Quezon city courts for sexual abuse and human trafficking cases, respectively.
Authorities believe Quiboloy and his cohorts are hiding at an underground facility inside the compound after they detected heartbeats from a bunker.
Policemen are still unable to locate the entrance to the facility.
Dela Rey said supporters of the fugitive pastor continue to resist the police operation.
“Their resistance, it’s still the same. They confront people who go inside (the compound), even policemen on civilian clothes,” she said.
On the blue box that was seen being brought in by policemen at the KOJC compound on Thursday, Dela Rey said: “That is just an equipment we are going to use in the search for Quibiloy. It’s just an equipment.”
Fajardo said: “I am not at liberty to reveal what’s inside the box but what I can assure you is what’s inside is intended to be used in the implementation of the warrant of arrest.
CLARIFICATION
The Davao City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday clarified that the temporary protection order (TPO) it issued early this week in favor of the KOJC does not cancel or nullify the processes related to the warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused.
The clarificatory order was issued amid confusion as to what the TPO really meant, with Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos saying motions will be filed to clarify the validity of the order issued by the Davao court.
“To emphasize, the issued TPO did not cancel or nullify the processes related to warrants of arrest. Both serve different purposes and are not contradictory with each other,” Davao City RTC Branch 15 Presiding Judge Mario Duaves said in a one-page order dated August 28.
In the same order, the court stressed that the warrants of arrest must be implemented in a manner that is reasonable.
“Our laws and jurisprudence require that the manner in which a warrant of arrest is enforced should be necessary and reasonable. Any act beyond its usual prescription must be with judicial imprimatur before it is carried out. Otherwise, the rights sought to be protected by the TPO will be put to naught,” it said.
A statement issued by the Department of Justice on Wednesday afternoon said the police operations in search of Quiboloy are “within the bounds of law by virtue of a legal order from a co-equal court.”
It added that the policemen deployed for the operation allowed free ingress and egress to the KOJC compound, adding that the barriers or barricades surrounding the area did not prevent the flow of basic human needs for the religious group’s members “but merely places added security to help law enforcers in advancing their purpose.”
The DOJ also emphasizes that the actions of the PNP were executed in accordance with a valid warrant of arrest.
The TPO directed the PNP to remove all barricades, barriers and obstacles that restrain KOJC members from going in and out of the religious group’s compound located along Sasa Highway in Davao City.
It also directed the PNP to stop any act that “threatens the life, liberty or security” of the religious group’s members.
SURRENDER
Meanwhile, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) called on Quiboloy and his co-accused to surrender to the PNP currently deployed in the KOJC compound in Davao City.
In a statement, PCEC National Director Bishop Noel Pantoja said it is imperative for the leader and members of the KOJC to bow before the hands of justice and respect it, instead of becoming fugitives.
“In light of the ongoing situation involving Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and co-accused members of KOJC, we urge him to consider surrendering to the authorities,” said Pantoja.
“It is essential to recognize that no one is above the law, and facing accusers and investigations peacefully is a fundamental principle of justice,” he added.
He also appealed to KOJC members and Quiboloy’s supporters to engage in prayer instead of increasing tension in the area.
“Let us strive to be instruments of peace, by seeking reconciliation and understanding in all our interactions,” said Pantoja.
On the other hand, the Christian group called on police authorities to adhere to ethical measures in serving the arrest warrants.
“We call upon the Philippine National Police to exercise restraint and uphold human rights throughout this process, ensuring that all actions taken are measured and just,” said the religious leader.
The PCEC also called on government leaders to act as peacemakers and not turn the ongoing police operation into an issue for their own political gain.
“The pursuit of justice should not be marred by the divisions of politics. Instead, it should foster unity and healing within our communities,” said Pantoja. — With Ashzel Hachero and Gerard Naval
