SEARCH CONTINUES. Units of the Philippine National Police swoop down on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City on Monday (June 10, 2024) to serve arrest warrants against controversial pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy. The preacher and five other respondents are facing child abuse and human trafficking charges in Pasig and Davao courts. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
DAVAO CITY – The Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-11) clarified Wednesday that the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel who served the arrest warrant of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy were carrying basic law enforcement equipment.
“Under established rules of engagement and operational procedures, our police personnel carry basic police equipment as part and mandated by our police operational procedures such as but not limited to issued firearms, restraining devices, personal protective equipment, and other accessories required for a particular type of operation being conducted,” PRO-11 said.
PRO-11 also reaffirmed PNP's commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all individuals.
“The service of warrants of arrest of Pastor Quiboloy and several other co-accused was carried out in accordance with valid warrants issued by several courts. The operation was conducted with the utmost consideration for safety and regularity, following strict protocols to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of the public,” it said.
Quiboloy has three standing arrest warrants for child and sexual abuse issued by the Davao City Regional Trial Court and human trafficking issued by a Pasig City court. These cases are non-bailable.
Police officers simultaneously swooped down on Quiboloy’s properties in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani province on Monday dawn, seeking to serve the arrest warrants against the controversial pastor and five co-accused identified as Jackielyn W. Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes.
PRO-11 defended the deployment of several police units, saying this was meant "to ensure safety and operational effectiveness, taking into consideration the number of persons to be arrested and the areas where they were reasonably believed to be found."
"We understand the concerns about the use of force,” it said, adding that the "police officers employed reasonable measures to restrain some individuals who were obstructing the service of arrest warrants."
PRO-11 said it respects's Quiboloy's rights, and that the preacher "is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty." (PNA)
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