CHR monitors human rights violations by officers and KOJC members

In a statement on Tuesday, August 27, CHR said it is continuously monitoring the situation at the KOJC compound in Davao City, in light of the ongoing police operations to execute the arrest warrant for KOJC founder, Reverend Apollo Quiboloy, who is still in hiding as of this writing.

“Through the investigations conducted by our Region 11 personnel on the ground, the CHR has become aware of incidents involving some members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and KOJC that may have resulted in human rights violations,” the agency said.

The committee also said it took note of the “rescue” of alleged victims of human trafficking at the KOJC compound on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Col. Jean Fajardo, head of the PNP Public Information Office (PIO), said Monday, August 26, 2024, that two individuals were being held “against their will” on the premises.

The two people, a 20-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman, have been handed over to their families.

“As the country’s human rights institution, the Commission also expresses deep concern over reports of illegal activities allegedly committed by some members of the PNP and the KOJC,” CHR said.

Attorney Israelito Torreon, legal advisor to KOJC, denied that there were any victims of human trafficking in the complex.

“The police allegedly rescued a member for violating the law against human trafficking. That is not true. That should have been brought to your attention,” he said.

The Commission also reiterated its call on the police to “show maximum tolerance and avoid misconduct and arbitrary arrests.”

“Furthermore, it is imperative that state forces, during their search for Quiboloy, uphold the rights of KOJC members to practice their religious activities and ensure the safety of citizens living within the compound,” the authorities said, citing Article III, Sections 3 and 5 of the Philippine Constitution.

The CHR has also learned of the reported incident in which a police officer used pepper spray on a member of the KOJC church.

The video went viral, sparking outrage among members.

In addition, CHR reminded KOJC members to refrain from “irregular activities that could endanger the safety of anyone, including state forces, the media and citizens.”

“This reminder follows reports of KOJC members setting wheels on fire, throwing chairs and verbally harassing the media,” the committee said.

Several Davao media outlets have jointly filed a police report against some KOJC supporters for intimidation and obstruction in their attempt to report on the current situation on the ground.

In a video posted by SunStar Davao on Monday night, August 26, 2024, news crews from MindaNews, Newsline Philippines, the Philippine Daily Inquirer and state-run PTV News were blocked by KOJC members when they tried to cover the ongoing demonstration outside the religious complex. Quiboloy supporters forced the media group to leave, chanting “Mga bayaran na media (paid media)” and “biased,” raising tensions between the two groups.