THE LEGAL counsel of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) appealed to the PNP leadership to call off the police personnel since their continued occupation of the compound already disrespected what followers believe to be “sacred grounds.”
In an interview with reporters on Sunday morning, Atty. Israelito Torreon, KOJC’s legal counsel, said the police already completed their search earlier that day. Still, Police Regional Office XI director Brig Gen Nicolas Torre III ordered another sweep using sniffer dogs and the heartbeat detector machine.
“He did not find Pastor Apollo Quiboloy or the four co-accused,” Torreon said.
“Since the search has already been conducted multiple times, we request that the PNP and the Philippine government order the police to leave. They are currently sleeping on the sacred grounds of KOJC, using the dressing rooms, and causing unpleasant conditions. We believe that any private person would be offended if they were allowed to enter such a property,” he added.
Torreon also expressed concern that KOJC’s executive pastor and members were prevented from entering the compound.
“My associate faced difficulties entering the KOJC compound. I urge the PNP once again to remove their personnel and respect the sacred and privacy rights of KOJC members,” he said.
He added that they have photographs of policemen sleeping on the KOJC grounds and mentioned plans to use excavation equipment in the compound. Torreon expressed worry that the use of such equipment could damage JMC properties.
“It seems like the PNP is intentionally treating the area as a camp,” he added.
Torreon noted that the warrant of arrest was served on a Saturday when there were no courts open, and the same situation applied to Sunday and Monday due to holidays. He criticized the planning of this operation and acknowledged the challenges faced by his legal team.
“If the police are determined to enter, there is little that can be done when they are armed,” he said. “I apologize to KOJC members because Atty. Torreon and I are powerless in this situation without weapons.”
“However, there will be a time for legal reckoning. We will file appropriate cases in court, and as lawyers, we will continue to do our job. For now, my apologies, as I can only advise them to stay hopeful despite the current situation. Some members have lost hope due to the ongoing events, and they feel their sacred grounds are being disrespected,” Torreon said.
“I will not delve further into this, but there will certainly be a time for legal reckoning,” he added.
He also clarified that a freeze order does not permit the occupation of a property. “It is important to understand that a freeze order or attachment order does not grant the right to occupy the property indefinitely,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Torreon reported that there have been 16 injured and one death among KOJC members, with others suffering from severe attacks and anxiety.
Torreon concluded, “The search concluded about two and a half hours ago [on Saturday search]. I saw police resting at 9:30 a.m. and then forming groups of about 28.”
“By 10:30 a.m., I experienced chest pain due to the large number of officers, so I took a break and had lunch. It seemed possible they could finish the search due to their numbers,” be further said.
