Senator Robin Padilla (Photo courtesy of Senate PRIB)
MANILA – Senator Robinhood Padilla on Tuesday filed a resolution seeking to determine if there was a violation of human rights during the recent police operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.
Senate Resolution No. 1051 directs the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, headed by Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, to investigate "in aid of legislation" whether there was "unnecessary and excessive force" in the operation.
In filing SR 1051, Padilla cited reports that some missionaries were hurt during the operation to serve arrest warrants against KOJC founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and five others.
"There is a need for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to promote and protect human rights because these very acts are vital to the maintenance of public order, guarantee of public safety, and respect for the rule of law," Padilla said.
He said PNP's revised Human Rights-Based Policing (HRBP) policy dictates that “in the lawful performance of duty, only necessary and reasonable force” should be used to accomplish the task of enforcing the law and maintaining peace and order.
Padilla said the investigation would determine whether police operatives, including those from the Special Action Force (SAF) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) who raided the KOJC premises, violated this policy. (PNA)
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