Early this morning, a contingent of 2,000 police officers accompanied the serving of an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Compound in Buhangin, Davao City. The operation, which commenced at 5:00 AM, quickly escalated into a tense standoff between the police and members of Quiboloy’s church, who staunchly defended their rights.
According to Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, Director of the Davao City Police Office, the police were merely following the court’s orders and insisted that this was not the appropriate time for any debates. The KOJC members attempted to negotiate with the police, but their pleas were ignored by General Torre, who led the operation into the compound.
The operation comes in the wake of KOJC’s formal withdrawal of support from the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., citing dissatisfaction with the actions of the police outside their pastor’s facilities. The withdrawal marks a significant shift, as Quiboloy’s media platform had been a staunch supporter of Marcos during his presidential campaign.
In response to the recent developments, members of the KOJC have expressed their readiness to march to Malacañang in protest. They emphasized that they owe no debt of gratitude to Marcos, despite Quiboloy’s previous support during the campaign.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities continuing to enforce the law while KOJC members stand by their pastor. The clash underscores growing tensions between religious groups and the government, particularly as legal issues surrounding influential figures like Quiboloy come to the forefront.
MORE: Police Regional 11, naniniwala na maaaresto nila ngayong araw si Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at iba pa niyang kapwa akusado. | via Jaycel Villacorte, Super Radyo Davao pic.twitter.com/v8NIkbiHjc
— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) August 23, 2024
As the situation unfolds, the potential for further escalation looms large, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The police are committed to fulfilling their duty, while the KOJC members are equally determined to protect their leader, setting the stage for what could be a prolonged standoff in the heart of Davao City.
Are we already in a political turmoil, vendetta, harassment, disrespect, impunity, and such other devilish acts? May Father God and Jesus Christ in heaven forgive those who do not know what they are doing.