SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa appealed to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to lift the siege on the Jose Maria College (KOJC) compound and restore normalcy to the lives of those affected.
“I am appealing to you, Mr. President. Please listen to these people. I hope you can bring back the normal lives of these people, not only the KOJC members but also your policemen,” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa was in Davao on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, during the joint investigation of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights and the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the PNP’s excessive use of force in serving an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
According to Dela Rosa, he was not only appealing for the welfare of the KOJC members but also for the condition of the police inside the compound.
He highlighted the plight of the policemen who lack proper beds, cannot bathe properly, and have inadequate food, causing them significant discomfort.
Dela Rosa urged the President to listen and open his mind regarding the significant inconvenience within the compound.
Also, in his opening statement, Dela Rosa said “I just would like to remind both parties, that I would like to appeal to your senses for peace, sobriety, and cooperation. What kind of cooperation do I want to see? Cooperation to achieve peace and sobriety. That’s all I hope for. And respect the human rights of everyone, (the) members of the KOJC and members of the police force. Let’s respect each other.”
“For years now, we have always prided ourselves on being one of, if not the, safest city in the country…Where the community loves and supports their PNP, and the PNP loves and supports the community. Whenever a Davao resident says their city is safe, it’s not an urban legend. It’s a living truth. Lately, however, impressions to the contrary have been circulating. Nevertheless, as we come together this afternoon, we not only prove these naysayers wrong, but we also show what we are made of. Despite it all, life is still here,” he further said.
