Tension between police officers and members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) sparked anew when Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) Director, Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, ordered his men to open the emerald gate of the KOJC compound in Davao City as the operation to arrest Pastor Apollo Quiboloy enters its 10th day on Monday, September 2, 2024.

Using a long-range acoustic device (LRAD), Torre warned KOJC members not to stop the police officers from opening the gate.

PRO-11 said the gate had to be opened so police officers and KOJC members can enter and exit the compound freely.

“Kailangan natin buksan ang gate para freely makalabas at makapasok yung mga police officers, including the KOJC members, sa ginagawa nating operations. Hindi pwersahan ang pag-open ng gate dahil pinakiusapan naman natin sila na to peacefully open the gate,” PRO-11 Spokesperson, Major Catherine Dela Rey, said.

However, some KOJC members lambasted the move of the police saying police officers can use gate 18, which serves as the main entrance of the compound.

They expressed worry because the emerald gate does not have a scanner and police may bring in contrabands like explosives.

“Gusto lang nila ipapasok ang mga kontrabando na hindi nila pinadaan sa scanner dahil nahihirapan sila dahil meron kami nahuli na mga explosives doon sa gate 18,” alias “Bobby,” one of the KOJC members, said.

The police said this is not going to happen. Dela Rey said authorities will only bring into the compound items that will help in the ongoing search for Quiboloy.

“May scanner o wala, wala kaming ipapasok na gamit to plant evidence. Kung may ipapasok man kami na mga gamit ito ay in aid sa ginagawa namin pag search kay Quiboloy,” Dela Rey added.

Several minutes after the emerald gate was opened, a KOJC member was arrested. Police were also seen bringing several boxes into the compound.

“Kami ay umapela sa kanila na kung pwede ay i-open ang gate kasi patuloy pa rin naman ang ginagawa natin na implementation ng warrant of arrest. Kung i-close nila ang gate, ibig sabihin nun, kung sino man tao na nandoon na hindi nila iopen ang gate, he/she will be charged with obstruction of justice,” Dela Rey added.

KOJC also challenged the police to allow the media to have access to the cathedral to check the supposed tunnel and to confirm if drilling operation is happening inside the JMC compound.