DAVAO City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) said on Friday to be cautious in disseminating information as it could affect the city’s economy.
This, as the search for televangelist Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and four co-accused in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound turned one week on Friday, August 30.
The chamber said the incident in KOJC, if not addressed promptly, poses challenges for the business sector and the community.
“DCCCII upholds the rule of law and the principles of fair justice, and we hope for a peaceful resolution to this matter,” Davao Chamber in a statement.
The chamber urged stakeholders to “prioritize the greater good” of Davaoeños.
“We also urge the community to be cautious about disseminating information that could negatively impact Davao City’s development and growth,” it added.
DCCCII reiterated its support to the business community amid the current tension in the city.
“We remain committed to collaborating with our local government, stakeholders, and business community to foster sustainable growth in our local economy and enhance the lives of the Davaoeños,” it stated.
On the 2nd day of the search on Sunday, Aug. 25, KOJC members conducted a prayer vigil in the portion of national highway outside Jose Maria College, where they were able to put up a makeshift stage and barricades out of their vehicles and heavy equipment.
The barricades made by the members blocked the entire six lanes from Jose Maria College to the airport entrance.
Police Regional Office XI confirmed that KOJC members secured a rally permit from the city government, but it only applied inside the KOJC compound.
PRO released the statement, refuting the post from SMNI News Channel (the news arm of KOJC) claiming that the PNP locked down the entry points of Davao City to stop people from joining the Kingdom of Jesus Christ members in their rally.
The SMNI post quoted: “JUST IN | Ni-lockdown ang lahat entry point ng Davao City ng PNP upang pigilan ang pakikiisa ng ibang Pilipino sa protestang nagaganap sa harap ng KOJC compound.”
Also on Sunday, a post stating that flights in Davao International Airport were canceled, was refuted by Rex Obcena, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines- Davao manager.
Obcena said there were no flights canceled, however, he advised passengers to arrive earlier than their schedule to avoid the traffic.
As of press writing, the six lanes from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) to Davao International Airport (Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway) were already opened to traffic, aside from the portion where police mobiles are parked.
