KOJC lawyer: PNP's drilling at compound violates property rights

Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon said on  Saturday that the Philippine National Police's alleged mining and drilling operations at the Jose Maria College Building violated property rights.

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.

"So, therefore, the act of the PNP in bringing clearly mining equipment here is against the law," he said.

Further, denying members access to the KOJC Cathedral was also an "unnecessary deprivation of the property rights of an  owner."

"Where can you find an arrest warrant being used as a legal justification to wantonly violate the property rights of another person? Only here," he said.

GMA News Online has sought PRO 11 Spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey's comment on Torreon's statements, but the PRO 11 official had yet to respond as of posting time.

Filing of cases vs PNP officials

Torreon said they would file cases against PNP Region XI director Brigadier General  Nicolas Torre III and PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil following the recent developments at the KOJC compound, including the PNP's use of helicopters.

Torreon alleged that the use of the helicopters resulted in the destruction of the solar panels at Jose Maria College.

"And I told General Torre to please also remind General Marbil that of course, I am a lawyer. We will not take this sitting down. We will be  certainly filing a case against you. And you know, the cost would be mind-boggling, maybe P1 billion or more.  And if you will retire, this will haunt you. Those are my exact words. This will haunt you, sir.  Because even if the case would last for 5 years, that is still 2029," he said.

"And another president would be sitting by that time.  And whatever retirement pay that you will have, because we will be suing you not only in your official capacity but as well as your personal.   And the host of criminal cases that we will be filing against you would be too much for you, I suppose. And he acknowledged that. And according to him, he is just following orders," Torreon continued.

Sought for comment,  Philippine National Police Spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo told GMA News Online, "That is their right naman, po."

Comment was also sought from PNP Chief Marbil and PRO 11 commander Torre. GMA News Online will post their responses once these are available.

However, in a previous statement, the PNP said it strongly condemned the recent actions of KOJC members who allegedly used laser devices against police helicopters.

“Such behavior is a direct threat to the safety and operational effectiveness of our law enforcement aviation units. The use of lasers against aircraft is not only dangerous but also a clear violation of aviation safety regulations and legal standards,” said PRO 11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey.

“Such behavior is a direct threat to the safety and operational effectiveness of our law enforcement aviation units. The use of lasers against aircraft is not only dangerous but also a clear violation of aviation safety regulations and legal standards,” she added.

Dela Rey urged KOJC members to stop such actions for the safety of all parties and pointed out that the PNP was just performing its duties.

A  total of 29 KOJC members faced complaints after 60 police officers were hurt implementing the arrest warrants against Quiboloy, according to PRO 11.

The complaints against KOJC members are for obstruction of justice and direct assault.

On Thursday, authorities discovered hallways inside the compound cathedral.

But one of their ministers denied the existence of secret passages and explained that the hallway connected the backstage to the main stage.

Arrest warrants were issued by Davao and Pasig courts against Quiboloy and others for alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children  Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act as well as qualified human trafficking.

Quiboloy went into hiding shortly after the Senate issued an arrest order against him for refusing to attend the chamber's hearings.

He has also been indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of  California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force,  fraud, and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.

Quiboloy’s camp has repeatedly denied the allegations against him. — DVM, GMA Integrated News