A week into the ongoing operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its regional office in Region XI, assures the public that it is conducting daily monitoring of the situation both inside and outside the KOJC compound and investigating possible human rights violations on the ground, following the serving of an Alias Warrant of Arrest against Pastor Apolo C. Quiboloy and five of his co-accused.
Special investigators and lawyers from CHR ROXI have also visited the detained KOJC members at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) who were arrested during the August 24 and 26 dispersals. The CHR team was able to interview the alleged victims of police harassment.
The Commission is also 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, who faces charges of child abuse and human trafficking. It is important to emphasize that the right to worship is a fundamental human right enshrined in both domestic and international law. 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 calls on the PNP to take these considerations into account while conducting their operations within the compound, recognizing that the deprivation of access to religious sites can have profound implications on the freedom of religion and the spiritual well-being of the faithful.
The Commission also emphasizes that the freedom of movement for the residents must be upheld and should not be subjected to any restrictions unless necessary to protect public order or national security (Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights). The CHR further stresses that the police operation should only involve the implementation of the arrest warrant, not a search warrant, and must always be conducted in accordance with the law, applicable rules, and human rights principles. As stated in Article III, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, the people are protected against unreasonable searches and seizures, with warrants requiring specific descriptions of the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.
Meanwhile, the CHR remains steadfast in its mandate to protect human rights at all costs. In this regard, we renew our call for the PNP to exercise their authority within the bounds of the law. Likewise, we remind the 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.
With the police search entering its second week, we reiterate our call for all the accused to undergo due process and allow our judicial system to function. We urge Quiboloy to honor his statement that he “will face [the charges against him] anywhere, anytime in a court of law.” [1]
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.
The Commission emphasizes that no one is above the law. However, the enforcement of the law must always be balanced with the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to worship. As the search for the accused continues, we appeal to everyone to cooperate and remain vigilant in reporting any human rights violations. We encourage the public to report any such violations to our regional office or through the CHR MISMO platform online.
[1] Quiboloy, ‘di haharap sa Senado kahit ipa-subpoena; “I will face you anytime, anywhere… | 24 Oras https://bit.ly/KOJCQuiboloy