Police Regional Office (PRO) XI Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III has rebutted criticisms from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), which questioned the checkpoints and the number of police personnel outside their compound.
Torre addressed the criticisms, stating, “I’ve experienced the ridicule they’re directing at us, particularly from Lorraine Badoy herself, whom I encountered personally. Our distance was just one meter.”
He continued, “she used to know me, but now she doesn’t recognize me. She doesn’t see that I’m actively involved in the operations. I allow them to criticize us endlessly.”
During Monday’s flag raising ceremony held at Camp Quintin Merecido in Buhangin, Torre expressed sympathy for his officers, saying, “our police, who have not slept or eaten properly, are working under the orders of their general in front of the KOJC. They don’t realize that I am with them in the field, wearing the same combat load, including an Armalite and a headgear. We’re in the same situation.”
Torre criticized the notion that his officers are overworked, stating, “It’s not that they’re lazy; they don’t understand the effort involved because their leader benefits from the hard work of others.”
Addressing the checkpoint issue, Torre said, “what criticisms are they talking about? They claim that checkpoints near them are harassing them. Why aren’t the airport and nearby hotels complaining? We’ve had checkpoints there for decades, even back when I was in high school. There were already checkpoints in the late 80s, long before the airport was established. No one complained then, so why now, specifically from KOJC?”
Torre also mentioned the legal issues surrounding the KOJC leader: “The real issue is that their leader has a warrant, and five of their associates also have warrants. One has already been apprehended. Their lawyer claims the warrants are invalid and they have various legal remedies, but social media is not the proper forum. The court is where these matters should be addressed.”
“They use their wealth to ridicule us and criticize us as if we’re subservient. Don’t they see themselves? Their panelists, including Badoy, Eric Celis, Torreon, and their CEO, are defending someone with a warrant for child abuse and molestation,” he said.
Torre advised his officers, “When people like that ridicule us, just remember: ‘Before you criticize us, know that we are professional police officers. Your leader is hiding from the law, and their lawyer says there are remedies and the warrants are invalid.’”
“Here’s a simple question: There are six accused. One, Paulene Canada, is already in custody. If the warrant were invalid, why is she still detained? Their money can’t change the court’s decision. This means the warrants are valid,” he said,
Torre reassured his officers, “When faced with ridicule, we must hold our heads high and say, ‘We’re just doing our job. We won’t be affected by your criticism. We have checkpoints on that highway because there are many people and establishments there, not just you. Your protection of a fugitive who is evading the law is the only complaint we have.’”
He added, “We, the police, should not be discouraged. They should be grateful I haven’t been assigned to prioritize Quiboloy. Other units are working on that.”
Torre concluded with a commitment to his role: “My job as your Regional Director is to maintain peace and order in PRO XI. We will overcome these challenges. I appreciate your cooperation and hope we continue to uphold the law, prevent and control crime, and enforce the law impartially. Thank you once again for your cooperation. Good morning to everyone.”
Recently, The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), the group of beleaguered Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, has slammed the checkpoint set up by the police outside its compound in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City.
According to KOJC members, they were alarmed by the police officers manning the checkpoints who were reportedly wearing masks and sunglasses.
Police also put up a checkpoint in Barangay Tamayong on Monday, August 5, 2024, to supposedly serve the arrest warrant against Cresente Canada, one of Quiboloy’s co-accused in the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act charges.
Recently, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, chairperson of the committee on public order and dangerous drugs, has called upon the Police Regional Office XI (PRO XI) to maintain a less intimidating presence during their operations, particularly at checkpoints.
This comes after a recent deployment of the PNP-SWAT unit outside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Buhangin District, which caused alarm among residents and resulted in traffic congestion.
The SWAT team’s presence in full battle gear with covered vehicle plates was likened to a war zone by netizens and motorists.
Dela Rosa presided over a public hearing on August 5, 2024, to investigate the PNP’s June 10, 2024 operation at the KOJC compound aimed at serving a warrant against Pastor Quiboloy.
He stressed the importance of not exceeding their mandate and avoiding excessive force, especially in performing their duties.
He questioned the presence of heavily armed SWAT officers in full gear, which he said had terrorized residents near the KOJC compound.
Senator Dela Rosa acknowledged the PNP’s mandate to execute the warrant but expressed concern over the fear instilled in Davao residents, who likened the situation to martial law.
He questioned the identity of the masked, unnamed officers who refused to answer media inquiries.
Torre confirmed that the officers were from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) XI, assuring Davao residents that they were local police.
Dela Rosa urged the police to maintain a friendly demeanor while performing their duties, emphasizing the importance of not intimidating the public.
Photo: Rhoda Grace Saron
