KINGDOM of Jesus Christ legal counsel Israelito Torreon revealed on Thursday afternoon that policemen are already visiting Glory Mountain and Prayer Mountain in Tamayong, Calinan District.
Torreon stated that the police presence on the property began that morning.
Torreon noted, “The policemen are now visiting both Glory Mountain and Prayer Mountain. There are ongoing police movements there, and I don’t think they would be there if they weren’t looking for specific individuals.”
He criticized the situation, saying, “We believe this is an excessive exercise of police power. Despite a court order being issued, the PNP has continued to stay at the KOJC compound, which we believe violates our client’s rights.”
Torreon added, “This is now the sixth day of the siege at the KOJC compound. We call it a siege because, on the first day, August 24, at 4 a.m., we attempted to negotiate with [PRO XI director] General Nicolas Torre III, explaining that there was no need for the use of force to serve the warrant. We were willing to cooperate with the warrant’s service.”
“When they showed us the arrest warrant, it was for Sylvia Cemanes, who is based in Pasig City. I pointed out that the warrant only applied to someone in Pasig City and did not allow entry into the KOJC compound without confirmation of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s presence,” Torreon said in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
“Within 30 minutes, the Southern and Eastern portions of our gate were destroyed, and heavily armed policemen entered the premises. They deployed tear gas, which they denied, but we have photos and videos to prove otherwise.
As a result, one person died, four suffered severe heart attacks, and 16 were injured. Currently, 54 people have received medical attention,” Torreon reported.
He continued, “We posted the report from the Southern Philippines Medical Center on Facebook. We have confirmed that 29 KOJC members have been arrested, and inquest proceedings were held yesterday. We are in the process of posting bail for these 29 individuals, and we hope they will be released soon.”
Regarding operations inside the compound, Torreon said, “This afternoon, we received information that equipment was brought into the KOJC compound at 4 a.m. We requested transparency from the police about the equipment, but our request was denied.
Currently, drilling operations are ongoing in the JMC basement, and our requests for representatives have been denied. The KOJC Cathedral is being used as their command center, and no members can enter.”
Torreon added, “We believe this is a continuing violation of the temporary protection order, which sought to prevent restrictions and control affecting the lives, liberty, and property of KOJC members.”
He explained, “The dispositive portion of the order includes two parts: a cease and desist order to stop all acts affecting the lives, liberties, and properties of KOJC members, and a specific order for the removal of blockades and barriers inside the property.”
“Following our supplementary motion, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 issued a supplementary order affirming that warrant service should be regular, reasonable, and in accordance with judicial procedures. Any implementation of the warrant not aligned with these rules requires judicial approval,” Torreon said.
He concluded, “We urge the PNP to adhere to the temporary protection order. The ongoing drilling of the JMC basement is a serious violation of the proprietary rights of JMC, a separate entity from the accused. This is not in line with the warrant of arrest, which targets specific individuals, not a general search.”
PNP side on gadgets, blue box brought inside the KOJC
Meanwhile, in an earlier press conference Police Brig Gen Augustus Alba, the spokesperson for Special Task Group Teknon Alpha said “As pertain with that it is part of the operational information kung nakikita na may pinapasok that is the call of the ground commander. “
“Revealing the specific na ginagawa that might jeopardize the activity inside, what is important is that our personnel are observing the legal procedures in consonance with the serving of the warrants of arrest.”
“Huwag maalarma Ang kasamahan natin sa KOJC even the surrounding community that we are observing operational procedures in the serving of warrant of arrest,” he further said.
