The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) has lodged complaints of sedition and inciting to sedition against Atty. Israelito Torreon, legal counsel for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy, and 11 other individuals. The charges, filed on Thursday, stem from a confrontation in August at the KOJC compound in Davao City, where authorities attempted to serve arrest warrants on Quiboloy and his associates.
According to Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, the respondents, including media personalities Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celis, allegedly called on the public to resist government actions during the police operation. Celis described the allegations as “baseless,” arguing they infringe on free speech and dissent.
The August incident escalated when KOJC members reportedly clashed with law enforcement officers, leading to additional complaints of obstruction and direct assault. The police and KOJC members each accused the other side of using excessive force.
Quiboloy, a prominent religious leader, surrendered to authorities in September and faces multiple charges, including human trafficking and child exploitation. The legal proceedings continue as public attention remains focused on this high-profile case.