A week into the Philippine National Police (PNP) operations in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) reminded policemen that their operation should only involve the implementation of an arrest warrant, not a search warrant.

In a statement, the CHR said the implementation of the arrest warrant "must be conducted n accordance with the law, applicable rules, and human rights principles."

It said its regional office in Region XI continuously monitors the situation both inside and outside the KOJC compound and investigates possible human rights violations on the ground.

The PNP operation is being carried out to implement the warrants of arrest against KOJC founder Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and five of his co-accused on charges filed before the courts for qualified human traffic and child abuse.

Special investigators and lawyers from CHR Regional Office XI have already visited the detained KOJC members at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) who were arrested during the Aug. 24 and 26 dispersals, it said. They were likewise able to interview the alleged victims of police harassment, it also said.

The CHR said its regional personnel are now assessing whether there have been any violations of the KOJC members’ right to exercise their religious freedom after the PNP prohibited the use of the cathedral and cordoned off the area, which is a primary focus in their search for Quiboloy.

"It is important to emphasize that the right to worship is a fundamental human right enshrined in both domestic and international law," the CHR said.

It also said: "Even in times of conflict, International Humanitarian Law (IHL) recognizes the need to protect places of worship from unnecessary interference and desecration. While the current situation does not constitute an armed conflict, the principles of IHL offer a valuable analogy: any actions that unduly infringe upon the religious practices of the KOJC members must be scrutinized carefully to ensure they are justified, proportionate, and necessary under the circumstances."

The CHR called on the PNP to take these considerations into account while conducting their operations within the compound, as the deprivation of access to religious sites can have profound implications on the freedom of religion.

On the other hand, the CHR reminded KOJC members not to obstruct the police in their duty to execute the warrant of arrest. "We urge both parties to avoid any actions that could prolong the search for Quiboloy and his co-accused," it said.

"The Commission also appeals to everyone to refrain from spreading false information about the ongoing operations that could jeopardize the lawful execution of the arrest warrant, compromise the safety of all involved, and threaten the constitutional rights of the people," it added.

At the same time, the CHR expressed hopes that Quiboloy himself will honor his word that he "will face (the charges against him) anywhere, anytime in a court of law," and allow the country's judicial system to function.