Metro Manila, Philippines – Police operations to arrest fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at his religious compound are within the bounds of law, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
A Davao regional court granted a temporary protection order for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), ordering the police to cease and desist from actions that may threaten human rights and to remove barriers blocking access points of the group’s compound.
The DOJ believes the order is already moot and academic as the issues have been addressed.
“First and foremost, the police operations are within the bounds of law by virtue of a legal order from a co-equal court,” the agency said in a statement.
“Further, police operatives allowed free ingress and egress to the compound, hence, the barriers or barricades surrounding the area did not prevent the flow of basic human needs for KOJC members but merely places added security to help law enforcers in advancing their purpose,” it explained.
The DOJ backed the Philippine National Police’s operations.
On Aug. 24, the Davao police tried to serve arrest warrants to Quiboloy – who is facing child and sexual abuse cases – in the KOJC compound. Authorities have not left the area since.
The pastor’s followers held a prayer and candle-lighting vigil, but the activities extended beyond the KOJC compound, which is the area in their permit.
Injuries were recorded on both sides of the police and the KOJC.
NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.
