A JOINT senate committee will conduct an ocular inspection and public hearing on the recent police operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa will lead the hearing, accompanied by several senators from the committees on justice and human rights and public order and dangerous drugs.
The hearing aims to gather firsthand information and testimonies related to the operation, focusing on potential human rights violations and any irregularities.
This development follows a privilege speech in the Senate raising concerns about the police operation at the KOJC compound. The ocular inspection and public hearing are crucial steps in the Senate’s investigation.
In an interview on Aug. 24, Senator Dela Rosa said, “Patungkol dito, it is only suspended; it is not adjourned, meaning we can resume anytime. With this development, we will continue the investigation our committee is conducting.”
Dela Rosa added, “Regarding the number of police officers inside the compound, even if it’s many, I cannot say it’s excessive. What’s important is the conduct. If abuse is occurring, that’s excessive. But if no wrongdoing is evident, we cannot question their presence. It’s their decision how many personnel they deploy; what matters is their actions.”
When asked if the police had done something wrong, Dela Rosa replied, “I’m still investigating. I will call them to the Senate because it’s difficult to rely solely on what is heard from various sources. Yes, there will be another Senate hearing,” he added.
Dela Rosa visited the KOJC compound on the first day of the operation after receiving reports that KOJC members were prohibited from entering or leaving the compound. “That’s my concern. Why is this happening? This property is not government-owned, and they should not be restricted from leaving. Our constitution guarantees freedom of abode and movement,” he said.
“I advise both parties, Gen. Torre and Atty. Torreon, to continue their communication and not cut off dialogue. Regular communication is crucial to ensure a mutual understanding,” Dela Rosa added.
In a statement, PRO XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey said, “The police are fully committed to supporting and assisting the Senate committees and human rights groups during their ocular inspection and public hearing. We recognize the importance of this process in upholding transparency and accountability in law enforcement.”
“Our officers and staff are prepared to provide all necessary information, facilitate access to relevant records and locations, and ensure a thorough review,” Dela Rey said. “We view this as an important opportunity for open dialogue and constructive engagement. By cooperating fully with the Senate, we aim to address concerns and demonstrate that our practices adhere to legal standards, thereby reinforcing public trust in our agency.”
On the 12th day of the standoff, Torreon reported seeing over 20 bags of cement being unloaded at the KOJC cathedral. He shared videos showing police personnel conducting this activity without a security scanner, raising further questions about their actions.
An SMNI report showed that law enforcers were allegedly mixing cement in the Jose Maria College (JMC) basement. This area is under scrutiny by the PNP due to suspicions of an alleged bunker belonging to Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The PNP has stated that the equipment used in the ongoing warrant for Quiboloy and four others does not need to be scanned.
“Whether or not we use a scanner, we will not plant evidence. If we bring anything in, it will be to aid our search for Quiboloy,” PRO XI director Brig Gen Nicolas Torre III said.
The police also said that not all tactical actions and plans should be disclosed to KOJC members, as this could compromise operations. They assured that officers involved would follow regular procedures and respect human rights.
On Sept. 3, the Senate committee announced an ocular inspection and public hearing at the KOJC compound for Sept. 6.
KOJC lawyer Israelito Torreon has challenged the PNP to provide evidence regarding the alleged tunnel activity inside the compound aimed at locating the church’s leader. However, the police have refuted Torreon’s claims, stating that the photos he received have been edited and manipulated.\
Photo courtesy of the Senate of the Philippines
