MANILA, Philippines — Upon investigation, it has become clear that the Philippine National Police (PNP) did not act in accordance with the law when they stated that they had carried out a “lawful operation” related to the issuance of arrest warrants for Apollo Quiboloy and other individuals in Davao City three days ago. In fact, their claim could not be further from the truth and has been proven to be misleading. According to a recent statement from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), a religious organization founded by Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched an aggressive attack on their Davao City facilities on June 10. The KJC claims that this attack was carried out with unnecessary and excessive force, as hundreds of its members were allegedly armed with heavy weapons. The incident arose as the PNP attempted to execute an arrest warrant for Pastor Quiboloy and five other individuals. However, in their official response, KJC asserts that the police’s use of a water cannon was unjustified and resulted in significant damage to their property. In light of these disturbing events, KJC has called into question the PNP’s actions and is demanding a thorough investigation into what they view as a blatant violation of their rights. They further emphasize that such overt displays of force do not align with their beliefs and are contradictory to their peaceful practices.
This development has sparked concern among many supporters of KJC and has prompted them to seek legal recourse against the alleged aggression displayed by the authorities. With tensions high between KJC and the PNP, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming days. CCTV evidence unequivocally contradicts the Philippine National Police’s claim, providing critical insight into the events that transpired. The footage clearly shows that the deployment of the water cannon only occurred in response to the soldiers forcefully breaching the grounds of the facility. Furthermore, KJC reports reveal the persistent disregard for legal procedures exhibited by the PNP members during the operation. Despite requests to await the group’s legal representation, the officers proceeded with their actions. Their unauthorized entry through scaling a ladder and accessing the compound without a valid search warrant exemplifies the blatant breach of proper protocol.
Following the forceful intrusion, several missionaries fell victim to the PNP’s aggressive tactics, resulting in injuries. Shockingly, a woman sustained a blow to her face from a military boot, while two male missionaries suffered arm injuries. Details provided by Quiboloy’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon, shed light on the chaotic circumstances, indicating that the police intervention only commenced after the arrival of KJC’s legal counsel in the vicinity. Israelito Torreon, the attorney representing Quiboloy, had previously informed that the police were given permission to enter the facility after KJC attorneys arrived. According to Torreon, the situation at Glory Mountain escalated significantly when law enforcement personnel broke the main gate to gain access. During the raid, it was reported that the police were allegedly carrying dangerous weapons like bolos. Consequently, five individuals affiliated with KOJC were apprehended by the authorities and placed in handcuffs. These events unfolded on Monday, June 10, as per the statement provided by Torreon.
Regarding KJC’s remark, reporters contacted the Philippine National Police (PNP) to seek their response to the statement. Despite several attempts to hear their side, the PNP has, unfortunately, not provided any feedback as of the time of posting. It is crucial to note that the PNP previously released a statement affirming that the law enforcement operation conducted in Davao City on June 10, targeting Quiboloy and his associates, was executed meticulously in accordance with their established legal security procedures. The PNP emphasized that their actions during the operation strictly adhered to the protocols and guidelines set forth by the law enforcement agency. Despite the PNP’s public declaration asserting their strict compliance with legal regulations, there has been a lack of detailed explanations or clarifications regarding the specific details and circumstances surrounding the operation in question.
This absence of further information from the PNP has led to heightened curiosity and inquiries from the public and media outlets seeking a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired during the law enforcement action. The unanswered questions lingering in the aftermath of the operation have sparked discussions and debates, with various stakeholders expressing a range of opinions and interpretations regarding the PNP’s operations and the implications of their statements. As the situation continues to unfold, the public remains eager for the PNP to address the outstanding queries and provide transparent insights into the sequence of events related to the enforcement action in Davao City.
Furthermore, it was emphasized that the execution of the arrest warrants did not result in any harm to individuals involved. Quiboloy, self-proclaimed as the “appointed son of God,” and his associates Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Camanes, and Jackiely Roy faced arrest orders issued by the Davao Regional Trial Court on April 3 on suspicion of violating Republic Act 7610, commonly known as the Anti-Child Abuse Law, particularly focusing on aspects related to the sexual exploitation and mistreatment of minors. Subsequently, Quiboloy also found himself subject to another arrest warrant from a Pasig City court on April 11 for the severe, non-bailable crime of qualified human trafficking. Additionally, a Senate subcommittee investigating alleged unlawful activities linked to Quiboloy and his organization, KJC, also issued an arrest warrant against Quiboloy due to his repeated absence from scheduled hearings. It is important to note that despite these legal actions, no physical harm occurred during the serving of the arrest warrants.
SOURCE: Inquirer.net