Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound standoff

Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound standoff
DateAugust 24, 2024 – September 8, 2024
(2 weeks and 1 day)
Location
Catitipan, Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines

7°08′00″N 125°38′42″E / 7.1334°N 125.6450°E / 7.1334; 125.6450
Caused by
GoalsArrest of:
Resulted in
  • Several KOJC properties within Davao City raided by police since June[3]
  • Forced entry of police inside the main KOJC compound
  • Protest rally by members of KOJC
  • Clashes between police and members of KOJC
  • Arrest of Apollo Quiboloy
Parties
Lead figures
Number
2,000[5]–3,000[6] policemen
400–1,000 Army soldiers[7]
1,000[8]–5,000[9] KOJC members
Casualties and losses
60 police officers wounded[1]
1 reported dead[10]
18 arrested[11]
Several members wounded
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound is located in Mindanao mainland
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound
Location within Mindanao mainland
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound is located in Philippines
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound
Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound (Philippines)

On August 24, 2024, a standoff began at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Catitipan, Buhangin, Davao City, Philippines, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) attempted to serve an arrest warrant against Apollo Quiboloy, the founder and leader of the KOJC, on charges of sexual misconduct.[12][13] Four other associates, namely Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Cemañes and Jackielyn Roy, are also included in the arrest warrant on charges of child abuse.[1][2] At present, Quiboloy is believed to have hidden himself and other associates within the premises of the KOJC compound, where the KJC King Dome and Jose Maria College are located. Members of the KOJC gathered that same night to express solidarity with Quiboloy and to protest the attempts to arrest him.[14]

The standoff resulted in clashes, leading to several wounded on both sides. Within the first 24 hours of the raid, one KOJC member died from a heart attack. Former president Rodrigo Duterte and incumbent vice president Sara Duterte expressed negative sentiments toward the raid, with the latter attending a KOJC-organized event within the compound and separately suggesting that the PNP's "extraordinary" actions are political in nature. Police authorities, however, explained that the PNP is simply serving an arrest warrant, with the large number of policemen serving to cover the vast area of the compound to search for Quiboloy.[15][16] The Commission on Human Rights has stated that it has been continuously monitoring the situation in the compound since the raid began.[17]

Background

[edit]
Main article: Apollo Quiboloy
Main article: Kingdom of Jesus Christ (church)

Apollo Quiboloy founded the Restorationist Christian denomination Kingdom of Jesus Christ on September 1, 1985, in Davao City,[18] naming himself its Executive Pastor and claiming to be the "Appointed Son of God". Since then, the congregation has grown into a global religious organization claiming as many as 6 million members and adherents worldwide.[13]

In November 2021, Quiboloy along with other members of KOJC was charged by a court based in Los Angeles, United States of sexual misconduct involving minors, human trafficking, and fraud.[19]

Events

[edit]

Prior events

[edit]

Quiboloy had been charged with alleged child abuse under Republic Act No. 7610 before a Quezon City court; and qualified human trafficking under RA No. 9208, as amended before a Pasig court. A ₱10 million reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.[20] Siblings Sylvia and Cresente Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Sylvia Cemañes, and Paulene Canada, had been charged as well; the latter was later arrested in July.[10] Meanwhile, Quiboloy had refused to attend hearings by the Senate, which in turn issued an arrest order. He went into hiding shortly after.[21] Leader Nicolas Torre stated that the police will be willing to serve arrest without any casualty if Quiboloy surrenders.[22]

Police operation and standoff

[edit]
Philippine police at the gate of Kingdom of Jesus Christ Compound

At the early morning of August 24, some 2,000 police officers, led by Davao Region police chief Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, initiated the search in the 30-hectare KOJC compound, situated near Francisco Bangoy International Airport, in an attempt to search Quiboloy and four others. Torre said that based on their informants, the subject's movements inside the compound are well-planned, making the search difficult. The property has a complex infrastructure that includes underground facilities. He also said the police familiarized first with the property for future searches.[10]

During the operation, several others were hospitalized, apparently due to trauma; at least sixteen, including four children, reportedly passed out. A male church member suffered cardiac arrest which, according to PNP–Davao Region, had been acting as a watchtower at the back of the compound for days without sleep. He was shortly pronounced dead on arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Center.[10][23] Quiboloy's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, said that the group searched the property at least thrice, and the KOJC's school, the Jose Maria College, seven times, but with no results.[10]

Police later set up a roadblock outside the compound. The authorities, according to Senator Ronald dela Rosa who visited the area, had detected a "heartbeat" underground using a specialized detector.[10] At night, upon Torre's order for further searches, another contingent of police officers entered the premises.[10]

On the evening of August 25, KOJC members and Quiboloy's supporters gathered in front of the compound, at the airport road, to protest the police search,[20] and burned tires at the road in retaliation to the police's alleged use of tear gas against them.[21] The protesters set up a barricade at the diversion road. Before 3:00 p.m. the following day, the police gave them an ultimatum to disperse peacefully to open the road to motorists, which the latter refused. This resulted in a violent confrontation, ending with the arrest of 18 KOJC members who were charged with obstruction of justice.[24] The protesters blocked a portion of the Carlos P. Garcia National Highway outside of the KOJC property.[25] One supporter also brings a megaphone to defend Quiboloy's activities.[26] Supporters also blocked the reporter's equipments, trying to cover the ongoing rally. The protesters also urged the reporters to leave, shouting "Paid media" and "biased".[27] Journalist Editha Z. Caduaya, publisher of NewsLine in Mindanao, argued with the protesters: "You were shouting for help from the media. Now that we're here, you're yelling at us that we're the paid ones… You've been throwing things at us! It's wrong!"[4][28]

Overall, 29 male KOJC members, including an unspecified number of students, were arrested at the barricade, each facing up to three separate complaints which includes obstruction of justice and violation of the public assembly law.[29] They were released on bail few days later.[30]

On August 27, the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 15 issued a temporary protection order to the KOJC, directing the Philippine National Police to cease actions that threatening the KOJC members' safety and security, and instructing the removal of all obstructions to access to and from the compound.[31] Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Benhur Abalos said that the police search will continue to serve the warrant in the premises.[32] The following day, the court issued a clarificatory order, noting that the TPO validates the processes related to the warrants. In the afternoon, the Department of Justice issued a statement saying the police operations are legal.[33] Exactly a week later, the Court of Appeals 22nd Division in Cagayan de Oro promulgated a resolution nullifying the TPO, stating that the Davao City court acted without authority on the petition for writ of Amparo.[34]

Also, on August 27, PNP Public Information Office Chief and spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo admitted that due to the large size of the compound and the lack of a blueprint to guide the police, it is likely they have yet to cover half of the compound's total area.[35] According to CNN, 2,000 police officers are still searching the compound.[36]

On August 30, Vice President Sara Duterte visited the wake of KOJC member Edwin E. Cababat who died from a heart attack while manning a watchtower during the first day of the standoff.[37]

On September 1, the KOJC organized an event at the compound commemorating its 39th anniversary, with Vice President Sara Duterte attending the event and expressing her support for the church while repeating her apology to them for her endorsement of Bongbong Marcos in the 2022 Philippine presidential election.[38]

On September 3, Torreon, along with members of the media, attempted to enter the JMC basement and the KOJC cathedral for inspection but were barred by the police. The KOJC legal counsel noted alleged digging activities in the basement and that the cathedral was designated as an advanced command post. On September 5, they reported the significant decrease of the regional police personnel, some being pulled out from the compound, a day prior to the Senate hearing and ocular inspection of the property. Police were reportedly seen smuggling in cement and cleaning up the area, with damaged glass panes evident.[39]

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos posted a photo featuring Quiboloy, with his lawyer Israelito Torreon, following his arrest.[40]

On September 8, Abalos announced in a brief Facebook post that Quiboloy was captured, thus ending the manhunt inside the KOJC property.[41][42] The PNP later said that Quiboloy surrendered to the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines following a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the PNP. Quiboloy was taken to Metro Manila and is detained at PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.[43]

Aftermath

[edit]

According to the police, Quiboloy hid in an underground bunker, recorded with a heartbeat device.[44]

After the standoff, a total of six police officers were injured, with 18 protesters arrested. Multiple pictures show police officers with bloody faces.[36]

Reactions

[edit]

The legal counsel of KOJC (Israelito Torreon and Ferdinand Topacio) have criticized what they assert as the illegal search operation being done by the PNP.[10][24] Torreon claimed that instead of a court-issued search warrant, the police only presented an alias arrest warrant which had been served earlier that month by the National Bureau of Investigation.[10] Some KOJC members later filed a complaint against the police, which said sustained injuries in the August 24 operation.[21] KOJC lawyers are also planning to file countercharges against the police in connection with the August 26 incident.[24]

The lawyers also planned to file charges against the police for impounding the fire truck owned by the church's fastfood store which, as the regional police revealed, was used to block the highway during a prayer rally at the first day of standoff. The police has also impounded another fire truck and two more vehicles.[30]

On August 26, former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and KOJC supporters held an indignation rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, calling for the resignation of president Bongbong Marcos from public office.[20] The operation was also criticized by the Duterte family, where Quiboloy is among their known supporters.[10] Former president and KOJC property administrator,[21] Rodrigo, and his daughter, vice president Sara, both accused the Marcos administration of sowing "fear and terror."[10] The vice president's brother, Davao City mayor Sebastian Duterte, criticized police usage of excessive force,[24] which the vice president suspected as politically motivated. The vice president, in her statement, expressed regret for encouraging KOJC members to vote Marcos in 2022.[10] KOJC supported the candidacies of Marcos and Duterte in the elections.[45]

On September 4, president Marcos, responding to the condition set by the Quiboloy camp that the latter would surface if there is a "written declaration" against turning him over to the United States for "extraordinary rendition," described this as "immaterial", saying that it should be presented to the courts. Marcos also said that it is the vice president Duterte's right to make such apology, adding that he has not spoken to her since the latter's resignation from his Cabinet.[45]

Senator dela Rosa initially urged Quiboloy to surrender "because there is really a court-issued warrant",[10][46] and emphasized the need for resolution.[46] In his privilege speech a week later, however, he called on President Marcos to order the withdrawal of police officers at the KOJC compound, saying that the church's religious freedom and JMC students' academic rights had been affected.[46] Senator Imee Marcos condemned the "excessive show of force", citing a large number of police personnel involved in the operation.[24] Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. urged Quiboloy to surrender, he stated “We have a process, we have a justice system we have to follow”.[47]

Senator Risa Hontiveros first blamed Quiboloy for his absence in the Senate hearing that worsened the situation.[24] Following Quiboloy's arrest, Hontiveros commended the authorities for their efforts while saying in her statement that Quiboloy "will be held accountable" and that their investigation would continue "to seek an end to the systematic abuse of society's most vulnerable."[42]

The Commission on Human Rights urged both parties to stay calm and follow the judicial process.[21][24]

The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches called on Quiboloy and his co-accused to surrender to the police. The group also called on the police to comply to ethical measures in serving the arrest warrants; as well on politicians to act as peacemakers and not turn such operation into an issue for their own political gain.[33]

Senate investigation

[edit]

The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, chaired by dela Rosa, sought investigation on the police operation, citing reports that church members were prevented to enter or leave the property.[10] In an attempt to resolve the standoff, on the morning of September 6, the Senate joint committee conducted an ocular inspection at the KOJC compound.[46] Dela Rosa, also a member of the committee on justice and human rights, led a group involved in the visit, which also joined by fellow senators Robin Padilla and Bong Go, as well as the city building office. The team observed the cathedral allegedly being used as the police's operations center, as well as the JMC's basement, at that time no longer had police presence.[48]

At the college building's basement, traces of freshly poured cement underneath the pile of lumber at the floor[48][49] and at the walls were discovered.[48] The police, believing that Quiboloy is still hiding in the area, have been excavating under the basement in the still unsuccessful search;[49] and also conducting the drilling as both seen in a video released earlier by the KOJC.[48] Dela Rosa then ordered the excavation of the newly cemented area;[48] and stressed that such action is a gross mistake for the police.[49] After the visit and during the Senate hearing, Torre was later forced to admit that they dug a hole with the presence of engineers, an architect present, and even hired civilians dressed in PNP uniforms. Dela Rosa and the KOJC are planning to file cases against the PNP for such actions.[49]

Dela Rosa also noted irregularities in the police operations, particularly bringing only an arrest warrant[48] instead of a search warrant.[49] At the public hearing on police operations, held by the Senate in the afternoon at the city council office,[46] dela Rosa criticized as well the further stay of police in the compound, and the police pepper spraying a church member. City mayor Duterte questioned the integrity and legality of the police operations. Meanwhile, Torre insisted that the police will pursue the search "until [Quiboloy] is found."[49]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Mendoza, John Eric (August 29, 2024). "60 cops hurt as hunt for Quiboloy continues". Inquirer News. Baguio City, Philippines: INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on August 30, 2024. Retrieved August 30, 2024. Quiboloy and the five co-accused face child abuse cases before the Davao City court. One of them has been in the custody of authorities since July.
  2. ^ a b c d e Mendoza, John Eric (July 12, 2024). "P1-M bounty helped in arrest of Quiboloy's co-accused – DILG". Inquirer News. Manila, Philippines: INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  3. ^ Sun Star Davao Digital (June 10, 2024). "Police raids fail to arrest Pastor Quiboloy at KOJC compounds". SunStar. SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Gomez, Herbie (August 27, 2024). "Davao journalists covering standoff face hostility from Quiboloy supporters". Rappler. Cagayan de Oro, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Retrieved September 2, 2024. [A] news conference called by Quiboloy's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, was interrupted when Eleanor Cardona, KOJC executive secretary, criticized the media for being biased and 'bayaran' (paid hacks).
  5. ^ Sitchon, John (August 26, 2024). "Fugitive Quiboloy to blame for police-KOJC standoff in Davao — Hontiveros". Rappler. Rappler Inc. Archived from the original on August 26, 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  6. ^ Regalado, Edith; Suelto, Diana Lhyd (August 25, 2024). "Police surround Quiboloy HQ in bid to serve warrant". Philstar.com. Davao City, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Archived from the original on August 25, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  7. ^ Badilla, Joselle R. (August 29, 2024). "More cops arrive, Army sending troops for Quiboloy search". Inquirer News. Davao City, Philippines: INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on August 31, 2024. Retrieved August 31, 2024.
  8. ^ Bacongco, Keith; Colina IV, Antonio (August 26, 2024). "Main road in Davao City remains closed due to KOJC-police standoff". Manila Bulletin. Davao City: Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on August 26, 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
  9. ^ Francisquete, David Ezra M. (August 27, 2024). "Torreon bares plans of PNP to allegedly bomb portions of KOJC compound". SunStar. SunStar Publishing Inc. Archived from the original on August 26, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Gomez, Herbie (August 25, 2024). "Exhausted cops, weary Quiboloy group in standoff as Davao manhunt drags on". Rappler. Cagayan de Oro, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
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  13. ^ a b "Megachurch leader who calls himself the 'son of God' charged with sex trafficking". Archived from the original on 3 July 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
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  15. ^ Begas, Billy (August 25, 2024). "Sara Duterte urged not to shield Quiboloy from justice: 'No one is above the law'". Politiko. MCD Multimedia Corporation. Archived from the original on August 26, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  16. ^ Regalado, Edith; Servallos, Neil Jayson (August 26, 2024). "Sara slams KOJC raid; PNP won't leave without Quiboloy". Philstar.com. Manila, Philippines: Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  17. ^ Argosino, Faith (September 2, 2024). "CHR says it monitors PNP operations at Quiboloy compound daily". Inquirer News. Manila, Philippines: INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on September 3, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  18. ^ "The Exodus from Religious Bondage". Archived from the original on 26 July 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  19. ^ "Federal Grand Jury Issues New Indictment Against Leaders of Philippines-Based Church that Alleges Sex Trafficking Scheme". Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  20. ^ a b c Casilao, Joahna Lei (August 26, 2024). "Harry Roque, KOJC supporters ask Marcos to resign". GMA Integrated News. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d e "Quiboloy supporters rally outside KOJC compound in Davao City". GMA Integrated News. August 26, 2024. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  22. ^ RITA, JOVILAND (2024-08-08). "Quiboloy still inside KOJC compound in Davao City —police". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  23. ^ Palicte, Che (24 August 2024). "2K police swoop down on KOJC compound, fail to find Quiboloy". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g Johnson Manabat (August 26, 2024). PH police arrest 18 KOJC members in Davao City standoff (news report). The World Tonight; ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  25. ^ G, Herbie (2024-08-26). "Protesting Quiboloy group, police clash outside KOJC as standoff intensifies". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  26. ^ Tocmo, Hernel (June 10, 2024). "PNP enters Quiboloy compound in Davao City". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on August 28, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  27. ^ Francisquete, David Ezra M. (August 27, 2024). "Media personalities file blotter vs KOJC supporters for harassment". SunStar Publishing Inc. Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  28. ^ MindaNews (August 26, 2024). "Media harassment by KOJC protesters". Facebook. Meta Platforms Inc. Archived from the original on August 28, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  29. ^ Gomez, Herbie (August 30, 2024). "Cops file complaints vs 29 Quiboloy followers amid prolonged standoff". Rappler. Archived from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  30. ^ a b Saron, Rhoda Grace (September 3, 2024). "KOJC to take legal action after police seize fire truck". Mindanao Times. Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  31. ^ "Court grants temporary protection order to KOJC". GMA Regional TV. August 27, 2024. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  32. ^ "Davao court grants temporary protection order to KOJC". GMA Integrated News. August 27, 2024. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  33. ^ a b Reyes, Victor (August 30, 2024). "29 KOJC members face raps; 60 cops hurt in Quiboloy hunt". Malaya Business Insight. Archived from the original on September 3, 2024. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  34. ^ Colina, Antonio IV (September 5, 2024). "CA nullifies TPO; KOJC to file motion for reconsideration". MindaNews. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  35. ^ Teleradyo (August 28, 2024). Alleged bunker inside KOJC may be connected to Davao airport: PNP | (27 August 2024). YouTube (in English and Filipino). Google LLC. Event occurs at 2:34. Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2024. We are on our fourth day, and yet hindi pa ata tayo nangangalahati diyan sa napakalaking compound na 'yan...
  36. ^ a b Magramo, Kathleen (August 27, 2024). "Preacher wanted by FBI on sex crime charges evades Philippine police as followers resist in dayslong standoff". CNN. Archived from the original on August 28, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  37. ^ Tonelada, Rachelle (August 30, 2024). "VP Sara pays respect to KOJC member who died of heart attack amid police raid". Manila Standard. Philippine Manila Standard Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on September 2, 2024. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  38. ^ Gomez, Herbie (September 1, 2024). "Sara Duterte celebrates KOJC anniversary with thousands of Quiboloy followers". Rappler. Cagayan de Oro, Philippines: Rappler Inc. Archived from the original on September 2, 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  39. ^ Saron, Rhoda Grace (September 5, 2024). "KOJC legal counsel claims reduced police deployment and potential misconduct day before Senate hearing". Mindanao Times. Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  40. ^ "KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy caught". GMA News. September 8, 2024. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  41. ^ Argosino, Faith (September 8, 2024). "Apollo Quiboloy has been arrested – DILG chief Abalos". Inquirer.net. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  42. ^ a b Gomez, Herbie (September 8, 2024). "Police capture Apollo Quiboloy". Rappler. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  43. ^ Cabuenas, Jon Viktor (September 8, 2024). "Quiboloy surrendered after PNP issued 24-hour ultimatum". GMA News. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  44. ^ "Apollo Quiboloy: Standoff as police close in on 'Son of God' pastor". www.bbc.com. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  45. ^ a b Romero, Alexis (September 5, 2024). "Marcos Jr on Quiboloy surrender condition: Talk to the courts". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 4, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  46. ^ a b c d e Patumbon, Rojean Grace (September 6, 2024). "Senate probe on KOJC standoff in Davao City could resolve tensions". SunStar. Davao City. Archived from the original on September 5, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  47. ^ Rosauro, Germelina Lacorte (2024-08-27). "Cops disperse Quiboloy followers on Day 3 of standoff". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on 2024-08-28. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  48. ^ a b c d e f Datu, Dennis (September 6, 2024). "Newly cemented holes found inside KOJC compound; excavation underway". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
  49. ^ a b c d e f Suelto, Diana Lhyd (September 7, 2024). "Bato slams long stay of police at KOJC compound". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 7, 2024. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
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