Lawyer calls on PNP to stop the drilling at KOJC building

The lawyer of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy on  Sunday took to social media to ask the Philippine National Police Chief to stop the alleged mining and drilling operations at the Jose Maria  College Building at the KOJC compound in Davao City.

"PNP Chief Marbil pls we need confirmation if this is what you ordered to be done in the basement of our beloved Jose Maria College," Attorney Israelito Torreon said in a  Facebook post.

He noted that they could only hear the sound of the drilling equipment, and he asked if they could check the JMC basement.

"We need confirmation if this is true, please allow us access to go into the JMC Basement," he said.

"Kung Hindi ito totoo (if this is not true), we would be extremely happy, but if not, please we demand to stop this illegal act at once!" he added.

GMA News Online had sought comment from the PNP on the matter, but the national police force had yet to respond as of posting time.

However, PRO 11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said in GMA Regional TV Kent Abrigana's Sunday 24 Oras Weekend report that they no information on the alleged drilling.

"Wala kaming information tungkol diyan. At 'di rin lahat ng tactical and strategic movements ay pinapaalam... para hindi rin po ma-jeopardize ang  operation namin," said dela Rey.

Similarly, PRO-11 Special Task Group Teknon Alpha spokesperson Police Brigadier General Roderick Agustus Alba said they, too, had no information on drilling.

But Alba added that there were other ways for them to gather information other than drilling. "Other ways are human intelligence, reliable sources of information, and of course, the technical support we are getting," explained the Teknon Alpha spokesperson.

In a news conference, Torreon said that members of the SWAT team attempted to take over the scanners of the compound on Friday afternoon.

Furthermore, Torreon argued that SWAT Teams could only be employed "if there is a need for lethal force to be employed," adding that there was no terrorism, kidnapping, or murder committed at the compound.

Torreon said the SWAT team's alleged efforts to forcibly take over the compound's scanner and sequester their firetruck was "illegal" under   Article 435 of the New Civil Code.

Quiboloy is facing charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special  Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination  Act and under Section 10(a) of the same act.

The KOJC  leader is also facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, before a Pasig court.

The pastor denied the accusations against him before going into hiding. — DVM, GMA Integrated News