The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured that it will adhere to “reasonable” and “necessary” measures in serving the warrant of arrest against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
In a statement from Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) spokesperson Police Major Catherine dela Rey on Sunday, the PNP said it does not intend to violate the rights of any individual or entity as it respects the provision of the Philippine Constitution.
“These provisions are considered written into the Police Operational Procedures that are observed and maintained by the elements of the PNP tasked to serve the Warrants of Arrest issued against Pastor Quiboloy and his co-accused,” the police official said.
The PNP issued the statement after Quiboloy’s lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, claimed the police may have violated the 1987 Constitution.
During a media forum, Topacio said private property rights and freedom of religion were violated since the police barred him and the KOJC members from entering the cathedral.
He added that the rights of Jose Maria College students were also violated because their classes were suspended.
The PNP said it is conducting a “more thorough search” as it believes that Quiboloy is hiding inside the KOJC compound.
“Be assured that the PNP will always adopt measures that are reasonable and necessary,” the police said in its statement.
The PNP has been searching for Quiboloy since August 24, with an initial number of 2,000 cops deployed in the area to enforce the warrant against the religious leader and several others.
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.
Quiboloy has denied the accusations against him. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
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