DAVAO CITY – The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and Special Action Force (SAF) swooped down on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Buhangin District here on Monday, June 10, to deliver the arrest warrant against its leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, and five others.
QUIBOLOY
Police Regional Office-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said in a phone interview that authorities only served the arrest warrant against the controversial pastor and five other accused following an extensive investigation on criminal charges for acts of child and sexual abuses and anti-trafficking law.
"Just to clarify, no raid took place this morning. The authorities were looking for the six accused, including Pastor Quiboloy, subject to an arrest warrant. There was a misunderstanding; Pastor Quiboloy's supporters sprayed us with water as they did not want us to enter the compound. But it was settled," Dela Rey said.
In a video footage from the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), Quiboloy's supporters sprayed the authorities with water as they tried to enter the compound. The officers entered KOJC in search of Quiboloy, who is considered a "fugitive from justice," and five others accused of three crimes.
According to the SMNI, the heavily armed PNP-SAF operatives and CIDG attempted to forcefully enter and besiege multiple KOJC compounds, home to over 1,000 missionaries in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani, on Monday between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Authorities allegedly destroyed the gate at the Prayer Mountain in Barangay Tamayong in Calinan and two indigenous missionaries belonging to the B’laan Tribe were tied up and reportedly kicked by authorities for possessing knives used for farming. No search warrants were presented.
However, police failed to arrest Quiboloy as he was not present during the implementation of the warrant in all his properties here.
Dela Rey said she is still awaiting further updates from their personnel on the ground if any of their supporters was arrested or just restrained to avoid disorder as the authorities are doing their job. They advised the supporters to remain calm and cooperative with the court processes.
The PRO-11 said in a statement that the PNP is dedicated to ensuring that no violators of the law are beyond the reach of the long arm of the law. The primary goal is to enforce the law while ensuring the safety and rights of all citizens, especially the Filipino people.
PRO-11 said the recent action taken by the law enforcement officers underscores their commitment to uphold the rule of law. Authorities emphasized that their action was following the court's lawful order and due process to address these severe charges.
Quiboloy is facing charges for allegedly violating Section 5(b) of the Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and Section 10(a) of RA 7610 before a court in Davao City.
He also faces a non-bailable offense of Qualified Human Trafficking under Section 4 (a) of Republic Act 9208, as amended, before a court in Pasig City. Davao City and Pasig City courts have issued arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-respondents.
The Supreme Court granted the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) bid to transfer the criminal cases of Quiboloy from Davao City to Quezon City last month to avoid a miscarriage of justice. The Senate Committee on Women, led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, is also pursuing Quiboloy's arrest.
Senate President Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero told the national media that the court-issued arrest warrants for the pastor will take precedence over the Senate panel’s order. He added that the arrest warrants issued by the court weigh more than the subpoena issued by the Senate.