A SECOND sweep of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound over the weekend further angered members and supporters as police regional director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III insisted that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is hiding in the 30-hectare property.
Despite assurances of a peaceful operation, allegations of abuses and excessive force surfaced.
At approximately 3 a.m., a raiding team from Police Regional Office XI, augmented by forces from PRO 10 and PRO 13, arrived at the KOJC compound in Buhangin.
Various PNP units, including the Civil Disturbance Management (CDM) unit, PNP Special Action Force (SAF), Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB), Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), and City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), were deployed.
PRO XI director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III stated that around 2,000 police personnel were involved, although PRO XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey clarified that only CDMs from provincial police offices were augmented.
While KOJC members protested and legal counsel Attorney Israelito Torreon attempted to negotiate, Torre remained firm, warning that the gate would be forcibly opened if necessary.
During the standoff, reports emerged that PNP SAF officers had breached barriers at the back of the compound, allegedly using tear gas.
While a police officer near the scene confirmed the use of tear gas, PRO XI denied any such reports.
At around 4 a.m., Torre issued an ultimatum, giving KOJC 30 minutes to open the gate or face forced entry.
Torre reiterated his demand for the KOJC to open their gate, giving them 30 minutes to comply or face forced entry.
In a heated exchange, Torre said, “Mag-usap kayo ng mga abogado diyan attorney bibigyan ko kayo ng 30 minutes (Speak with your lawyers, attorney; I’m giving you 30 minutes).”
Torreon replied, “So, ang plano mo talaga papasok talaga whether we like it or not (So you plan to enter regardless of our consent?)?”
Torre responded, “Ito ay isang legal na operation, mag-reklamo ka na lang, pero hindi eto ang lugar para tayo ay mag-debate. Kung gusto niyong mag-debate, dalhin niyo sa korte ito (This is a legal operation; you can file a complaint, but this is not the place for a debate. If you want to debate, take it to court).”
Despite resistance, the gate was partially opened at 5 a.m. on Saturday.
Torre led the search inside the compound, and by 1 p.m., a quarter of the 40 structures had been searched. He warned KOJC members against obstructing the police and announced the deployment of radar and restricted access to certain areas.
As of 4 p.m. on Saturday, Quiboloy and the other accused were nowhere to be found. Torreon and Torre engaged in further dialogue regarding the operation.
At 4:46 p.m., Senator Ronald Dela Rosa arrived and entered the compound with Torreon and Torre. By 9 p.m., police were on standby outside, awaiting further instructions from Torre.
As of 9 p.m. Supporters of Quiboloy held prayers outside the compound.
In an interview on Saturday evening, Torre expressed confidence that Quiboloy was still within the premises.
As of Sunday morning, Aug. 25, the operation continued as Torre said their heartbeat monitor device caught signs of life underground. He believed that it might have belonged to Quiboloy.
