THE ARCHDIOCESE of Davao on Tuesday appealed for peace, sobriety, and mutual respect amid tension between the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
This, as the ongoing serving of Warrant of Arrest against KOJC evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, which entered its fifth day on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
“As the Shepherd of the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Davao, I am morally impelled to speak out, for and on behalf of peace, and to make an appeal for calmness and sobriety among the people of Davao City, especially those involved in the ongoing situation at the KOJC Compound here,” Archbishop Romulo G. Valles in a statement issued on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Valles added the ongoing search for the presence of law enforcers in a religious worship place and educational institution is “alarming and troubling” as it touches on aspects of religious freedom.
“I appeal for the immediate peaceful resolution to the situation, and the mutual respect and introspection of all. Let us respect the humanity of everyone and their inherent rights,” he said.
The archbishop reiterated both parties to recognize people from and outside Davao City calling to respect the rule of law.
“Careful discernment, and prudence, and the regard for the basic civil liberties guaranteed by our constitution must be observed in compliance with the directives of the Courts,” he added.
The Catholic leader asked the faithful to pray for peace and justice to continue to reign in the city.
Around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 issued a temporary protection order (TPO) for the PNP to halt their operations and remove all barriers and blockades from the KOJC property.
Judge Mario Duaves signed the three-page order on the same day.
The KOJC members celebrate the removal of police barricades in front of the KOJC Kingdome after Atty. Israelito Torreon explained the content of the TPO. Right after, the KOJC Kingdome gates opened to access for members.
However, Atty. Louis Palma Gil and Atty. Lara de los Santos, associates of Tolentino and Associates, and part of the legal counsel of KOJC said Tuesday evening, that members are not allowed to enter KOJC Cathedral as it is being cordoned off despite the TPO.
As of press writing, police presence continues inside and outside the KOJC compound.
