The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) on Wednesday asked a Davao court to issue a show-cause order against some government officials.
According to One Mindanao Regional TV, the KOJC filed a manifestation with a motion to issue a show cause order on why the respondents should not be held in contempt before the Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15.
The respondents were Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. and the Philippine National Police (PNP), represented by Police Brigadier General Rommel Marbil.
GMA News Online has sought comment from the respondents but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.
On Tuesday, the Davao RTC Branch 15 issued a temporary protection order (TPO) in favor of the KOJC, directing the PNP to cease actions that threaten the safety and security of KOJC members.
The court also ordered the PNP to “remove all forms of barricades, barriers or blockades that bar the access to and from the subject compound.”
The order came amid ongoing tensions between the KOJC and the PNP as the latter attempted to serve the arrest warrants against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
‘Moot and academic’
In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the TPO is already moot and academic as the issues underscored have been addressed.
“Police operatives allowed free ingress and egress to the compound, hence, the barriers or barricades surrounding the area did not prevent the flow of basic human needs for KOJC members but merely places added security to help law enforcers in advancing their purpose,” it said.
“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,” it added.
Further, the Justice Department said that the police operations are within the bounds of the law and by virtue of a legal order from a co-equal court.
TPO not an obstacle
For his part, inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) chairperson and Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty said that the TPO will not be an obstacle in the serving of the warrant of arrest as well as the rescue of trafficking victims, if there are any.
However, he advised the PNP needs to be more careful in conducting their operations.
“Tingin ko kailangan lang nila maging mas masinop lalo at mas mag ingat lalo sa kanilang trabaho upang mabigay galang ang mga karapatan,” he said in an interview.
(I think they just need to be more careful and vigilant in their work to give due respect to people’s rights.)
He also denied claims that the police authorities needed a search warrant.
“Panlilinlang yang argumento na ‘yan na kailangan ng search warrant. Paano mo naman ipatupad ang isang warrant of arrest kung hindi ka pwedeng pumasok sa lugar kung saan alam niyo, hinala niyo na nandoon yung akusado,” he said.
(That’s a flawed argument, that a search warrant is required. How can you implement an arrest warrant if you can’t even enter the location where you believe, or suspect, the accused is hiding?)
Earlier in the day, Abalos expressed optimism that Quiboloy remains inside the KOJC compound in Davao City.
“Without compromising ‘yung operations ng police, malakas ang indication na nandoon, in fact madami na kaming tao at mga makina doon para mahanap siya both above ground and underground,” Abalos said.
(There’s a strong indication that he is still there, we have a lot of personnel and even machinery to look for him above ground and underground.)
Quiboloy is facing charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
He is also facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, before a Pasig court. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
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