DOJ calls protection order ‘moot,’ backs PNP raid at KJC compound

POLICE CORDON Civil disobedience management troops of the Philippine National Police remain outside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City on Tuesday, the fourth day of their standoff with followers of fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy. — Photo from JOSELLE R. BADILLA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday called the Temporary Protection Order (TPO) issued by a Davao court over police operations at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound “moot and academic.”

The TPO was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 15 on Tuesday, following a raid by around 2,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the 30-hectare KJC compound last Saturday.

The raid was meant to serve arrest warrants on fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and others.

READ: Quiboloy’s KJC wins relief: Cops told to stand down in court order

Police personnel were ordered to “immediately cease and desist from any act or omission that threatens the life, liberty and security as well as the property of the petitioners.”

In a statement, the DOJ maintained that the police operations were conducted lawfully based on a legal order from a co-equal court.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has requested the transfer of criminal cases of Quiboloy from Davao to Quezon City.

The DOJ further said that police operatives did not prevent persons from entering and leaving the compound, and the barricades surrounding the area were only placed to add security to help them achieve their purpose.

“As much as the DOJ respects the Court’s prerogative, the Department, nonetheless, believes the TPO is already moot and academic considering the issues underscored therein have all been addressed,” the DOJ said.

It also expressed support for the police in keeping the lawfulness in serving the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his accomplices.

READ: DILG to clarify Quiboloy court protection order; hunt continues

“The DOJ stands in solidarity with the PNP in upholding the rule of law and in this quest for justice,” the DOJ said.

Quiboloy is believed to be hiding inside the KJC compound, according to Davao Police Regional Office Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

The sect leader is facing child abuse cases before a Davao City court, as well as a standing arrest warrant for human trafficking issued by a Pasig City court.