CHR urges law enforcement officials to exercise maximum tolerance and ensure safety when executing arrest warrants

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has asked law enforcement officials to exercise maximum tolerance and ensure the safety of persons, especially children, when executing arrest warrants.

The CHR statement was issued after about 2,000 police officers stormed the compound of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in Davao City, where the religious group’s founder Apollo C. Quiboloy is reportedly hiding.

At the time of publication, Quiboloy has not yet been located and arrested.

Quiboloy and his co-defendants were arrested by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) for alleged aggravated human trafficking, a non-bailable offense, and by the Davao City RTC for reported child sexual abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

The founder of KOJC denies all charges. However, he remains at large since the arrest warrants were issued.

His co-defendants in the cases are Paulene Canada, Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Jackielyn Roy and Sylvia Cemanes. Paulene was arrested in July of last year.

A reward of 10 million pesos has been offered for the arrest of Quiboloy, while a reward of 1 million pesos has been offered for the other co-defendants.

According to the CHR, the Region XI office is closely monitoring the police operation in Davao City.

It reminded law enforcement officials that no force or unnecessary pressure should be used during the arrest, in accordance with the law.

The CHR reminded KOJC members to respect law enforcement officers and allow them to do their duty, and to refrain from actions that could increase tensions or obstruct the legal process.

KOJC members were also urged not to harass citizens who were merely doing their jobs, citing reports that the special investigator of the Region XI office had been threatened and harassed by members of the religious group.

“The rule of law must prevail to ensure that everyone’s rights are upheld and protected,” the CHR said.

Those involved were then urged to ‘remain calm and fully cooperate with the legal proceedings, in the interest of justice and peace.’