THE POLICE Regional Office XI strongly condemned the actions of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) members for allegedly using laser devices on PNP helicopters.
However, KOJC’s lawyer stated that the police must first prove whether the lasers originated from KOJC members.
“Such behavior is a direct threat to the safety and operational effectiveness of our law enforcement aviation units,” PRO XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey said.
“The use of lasers against aircraft is not only dangerous but also a clear violation of aviation safety regulations and legal standards,” she added.
“The Philippine National Police is simply performing its duties, and any attempt to obstruct or delay our operations will not benefit anyone. Thus, we urge you to stop such actions for the safety of all involved,” she further said
On the other hand, KOJC lawyer Atty. Israelito Torreon, in a statement on Friday regarding the alleged laser-pointing incident at a PNP helicopter, said:
“Firstly, the PNP needs to prove that the laser came from KOJC members. They have failed to do this, given the hundreds of policemen inside the KOJC compound and others outside it. The probability that the police themselves were responsible is plausible, considering their overwhelming presence inside the KOJC compound.”
“Secondly, the PNP is quick to complain about a single alleged laser incident without mentioning that they have overextended their stay in the KOJC compound for seven days without finding Pastor ACQ.”
“They have not addressed how they will respond to the legal fact that an arrest warrant cannot justify a random and comprehensive search of structures, buildings, and rooms owned by JMC, SMNI, and KOJC—entities separate from the individual accused,” he added.
Torreon also said, “They have conducted jackhammer and excavation operations in the JMC basement without judicial approval and have barred KOJC representatives from entering for transparency.”
He further noted, “They have barricaded the KOJC Cathedral, the main place of worship, and brought mining equipment into it.”
“They have denied bringing arms or using tear gas, despite overwhelming evidence aired on SMNI about such actions, which resulted in one death, four heart attacks, severe anxiety attacks in four children, 16 instances of unconsciousness, 54 injuries, and 29 arrests,” he added.
Moreover, he said, “They have blatantly defied the Temporary Protection Order issued by the RTC Davao, which explicitly required them to ‘cease and desist’ from violating petitioners’ rights to life, liberty, and property, including the order to remove all blockades and barriers that hinder petitioners’ religious, academic, and proprietary rights.”
“Hence, if the PNP can prove that a KOJC member pointed a laser, it may have been an act of sheer frustration and desperation, possibly seen by the member as a necessary measure to prevent further harassment against KOJC members,” Torreon concluded.
