- Lawyer claims police cordoned off KOJC cathedral on 39th Anniversary
THE POLICE Regional Office XI used yellow tape to close off the cathedral at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City on Sept. 1, 2024, which coincided with the congregation’s 39th Anniversary.
In a video provided by the KOJC legal team to the media, a yellow police line can be seen marking the restricted area.
KOJC lawyer Atty. Israelito Torreon told reporters at a press conference on Saturday afternoon that the PNP did not permit the group to use the cathedral for its anniversary.
“The PNP refused my client’s request to use the KOJC cathedral. So, instead, they will use the front portion of the Kingdome as instructed by the PNP,” Torreon said.
Nine days into the service of a warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at the KOJC compound, Torreon expressed concern that the PNP appears to have taken control of the cathedral despite a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) issued by the court.
“They are controlling and occupying the KOJC Cathedral, and we have to address this issue,” Torreon said.
As of this writing, the PNP has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Earlier, Torreon said he planned to speak with Davao City Police Director Col. Hansel Marantan about allowing the use of the cathedral for the anniversary.
In the Saturday afternoon press conference, Torreon emphasized the significance of the September 1 celebration to KOJC members, citing the importance of religious rights as recognized by Philippine law. He referred to a Supreme Court decision supporting these rights.
“The violation of or interference with these rights must pass either the dangerous tendency test or the clear and present danger test,” Torreon said.
“So, we impress upon him that tomorrow [September 1] is one of the most important celebrations for KOJC. We requested him to please allow us to use the Cathedral and the JMC facilities, as many members from around the world want to participate in this significant day according to their religious beliefs,” he added.
Torreon further stated that Col. Hansel Marantan was instructed to coordinate with him regarding the situation. After the press conference, Torreon planned to discuss further steps and whether the police would vacate the property or implement measures to ensure that the exercise of his clients’ religious rights would proceed without hindrance.
As of the morning of September 1, a video provided by the KOJC legal team to the media shows that the police still cordoned off the area.
Regarding an alleged incident with a grenade, the police are investigating reports that one of their personnel may have attempted to sneak a canned grenade into the KOJC compound.
“There was an attempt to introduce a canned grenade into the compound, but it was prevented by KOJC’s vigilant members and Atty. Adam Jambangan,” Torreon said.
Lt. Col. Jerick Filosofo, spokesperson for Special Task Group Teknon Alpha, belied the accusation, claiming the items brought into the compound were screened through a scanner.
“This is a legitimate police operation. There is a necessity for operational secrecy to protect the integrity of the operations and maintain confidentiality,” Filosofo said.
