DAVAO CITY - Missionaries and members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ continue their preparations for the 39th Feast of the Passover of the KOJC on Sunday, September 1, despite the police blockade at their compound in Barangay Buhangin here.
QUIBOLOY
These were documented by the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) and posted on their Facebook page on Sunday which also marks the ninth day since the police implemented the arrest warrant for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
KOJC legal counsel Israelito Torreon said in a recent press conference that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) denied the group permission to use their cathedral for the event. A yellow police tape blocked the venue.
Torreon said the PNP seemed to have control of the cathedral despite a Davao City court Temporary Protection Order (TPO). He added that he would discuss the use of the cathedral with Davao City Police Office chief Police Col. Hansel Marantan.
The Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 issued the TPO on Tuesday, August 27, directing the PNP to "immediately cease and desist" from exercising any act that threatens the life, liberty, or security of the officials and members of the KOJC.
RTC Branch 15 Presiding Judge Mario Duaves penned the TPO and mandated the PRO-11 to remove all blockades that bar access to and from the compound and hinder the exercise of officials' and members' religious, academic, and proprietary rights.
Police Regional Office-11 spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey said in a video footage posted in their Facebook page that they are open to communication and ready to address any concerns by members of the religious group and the public.
“We assure the public and the KOJC (members) that we will take the necessary steps to ensure that the celebration of their 39th anniversary will be peaceful and safe,” Dela Rey said, adding that the PNP is taking steps to ensure safety and transparency.
Torreon highlighted the importance of the event for KOJC members, stressing that religious rights are upheld by Philippine law.
He referenced a Supreme Court ruling that affirms these rights.