The Davao City police have called on members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) to refrain from resisting and allow authorities to peacefully search for their leader, Apollo Quiboloy. Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) public information office chief Police Major Catherine dela Rey expressed hope that they would be able to serve the warrant of arrest against Quiboloy without any resistance from his supporters.
“Hopefully, the next time we implement an arrest warrant, we will be allowed to enter the premises peacefully because we have no other purpose there but to serve the arrest warrant. We are just doing our duty and following the order of the court,” Dela Rey said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.
KOJC’s Stance and Previous Tensions
The KOJC has previously stated it will stand its ground if the Philippine National Police (PNP) serves another warrant of arrest against Quiboloy. Tensions escalated on June 10 when the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) served an arrest warrant against the religious leader, with KOJC members arguing the move was intended to intimidate Quiboloy, who faces charges under Republic Act 7610 for the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
Dela Rey reiterated that the police mean no harm to civilians and are simply executing a court order. “To the supporters and followers, we have no other purpose there than to serve the warrant of arrest. You will not be harassed. I hope you understand that if the court does not order us to implement the warrant of arrest, we will not go there either,” she said.
“We are not your enemy, we are not the ones who filed the case. We are only implementers of the court order,” she added.
Recent Search Efforts
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Region 11 served another warrant of arrest against Quiboloy and other co-accused at the KOJC compound on August 9. Authorities inspected the underground portion of the KOJC compound, which is still under construction, but did not locate Quiboloy or any co-accused.
Dela Rey emphasized the need for more personnel to search the expansive 30-hectare KOJC property, which includes a 77,000-seater dome, a hangar, four helicopters, and two airplanes.
Support for PRO 11 Chief
A group of alumni from the PNP Academy has shown support for PRO 11 chief Police Brigadier Nicolas Torre III, who is allegedly being bullied and mistreated by a politician from Davao City. The Lakan Community condemned the politician’s actions and assured their support for Torre.
“We are deeply troubled by the actions of the politician and we want to assure our Lakan brother that we fully support him in standing up against this injustice,” the Lakan Community said in a statement.
The group committed to standing by Torre and advocating for justice, condemning all forms of bullying, harassment, and abuse.