CONFRONTATION Members of police units in charge of civil disobedience management prepare to confront and disperse supporters of Kingdom of Jesus Christ members gathered outside the sect’s headquarters at Buhangin District in Davao City on August 26, 2024. — GERMELINA LACORTE
MANILA, Philippines — A Davao City court on Tuesday issued a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), ordering the police to stop any act that “threatens the life, liberty or security” of the religious group’s members.
Regional Trial Court Branch 15 issued the TPO after 2,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided the 30-hectare compound of the KJC to serve arrest warrants to its founder, fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, and others on Saturday, August 24.
However, the TPO did not explicitly state that the police were ordered to leave the KJC compound, contrary to initial reports which prompted a celebration by Quiboloy’s followers and sympathizers.
“This court, under the current situation, sees the urgency to direct the PNP XI to immediately cease and desist from any act or omission that threatens the life, liberty or security as well as the properties of the petitioners,” the three-page order reads.
The court also ordered the removal of barricades, barriers, or blockades that prevent KJC members from accessing the compound.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. pointed out that the TPO “did not specifically say that the police must stop the operation.”
Abalos said they will file a petition to clarify the order.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said they have also received a copy of the TPO, and she echoed Abalos’ statement that the police will not leave the KJC compound.
READ: 2,000 cops surround KJC complex, arrest warrant vs. Quiboloy served anew
Quiboloy is believed to be hiding inside the KJC compound, according to Davao Police Regional Office Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
Quiboloy and five co-accused are facing child abuse cases before the Davao City court. He also has a standing arrest warrant for human trafficking issued by a Pasig City court.
Fajardo said the PNP could soon spot the secret entrance to a bunker where “signs of life” have been detected.
READ: PNP likely to find Quiboloy bunker entrance soon, detects ‘signs of life’