PNP: KOJC anniversary peaceful amid Quiboloy hunt

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the celebration of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ’s (KOJC) 39th anniversary was peaceful despite the ongoing hunt for its leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

“On September 1, 2024, the PNP successfully facilitated a smooth and peaceful observance of the KOJC's 39th Feast of Passover, despite the concurrent execution of a lawful police operation within the church’s compound,” the PNP said in a statement.

“The Feast of Passover, a significant event for the KOJC community, proceeded without major incidents. The PNP’s meticulous planning and strategic, non-intrusive presence, ensured the protection of human rights and public safety,” the PNP added.

The PNP cordoned off the cathedral at the KOJC compound in Davao City on Sunday. KOJC lawyer Atty. Israelito Torreon said the PNP did not allow the group to use the cathedral for its anniversary.

“The PNP refused my client's request to use the KOJC Cathedral so they will just use, instead, the front portion of the KINGDOME per PNP’s instructions,” Torreon said.

Nine days into the service of the warrant against Quiboloy, Torreon said it seems that the PNP has taken control over the cathedral at the KOJC compound despite the Temporary Protection Order issued by the court.

“They are controlling and occupying the KOJC Cathedral, hence, we have to deal with them,” Torreon said.

For the PNP, the presence of law enforcers during the occasion was directly associated with the implementation of the arrest warrant.

The PNP pointed out that it had no intention to infringe upon religious rights but rather to enforce court-ordered processes.

“We respect the community’s right to express their opinions. As part of the PNP, we stand firm in enforcing the law while ensuring that individuals have the right to exhaust all legal remedies,” PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil said.

“The issuing court is being regularly informed of the ongoing process, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and adherence to the law,” he added.

For his part, Torreon said that church members were left with no other choice but to cancel some of their activities due to heat outside. 

“There were three options given to us but all involved exposing the members to the heat of the sun and the vagaries of nature. Hence, left with no choice, KOJC was forced to hold the program in front of the Kingdome. As a result, most activities in the morning, noontime and early afternoon were cancelled because of fear of heat exposure,” he said in a statement. 

“KOJC officers had to scramble for alternative makeshift stage just so the shortened celebration can pursue as Vice President Sarah Duterte was poised to attend. In the end, the KOJC Celebration continued not because of the gracefulness of the PNP but because of the resilience and perseverance of KOJC Members,” Torreon added. 

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