The Department of Justice (DOJ) rallies behind the Philippine National Police (PNP) in keeping the lawfulness of the service of the arrest warrants against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy and his accomplices.
The recently issued Temporary Protection Order (TPO) by the Davao City RTC Branch 15 directed the PNP Region XI to “immediately cease and desist from any act or omission that threatens the life, liberty and security as well as the property of the petitioners.”
Further, the TPO instructed police operatives within the area to remove all barricades, barriers or blockades that restrain KOJC members from going to or from the compound preventing them from freely exercising their academic, religious practices or other propriety/human rights.
First and foremost, the police operations are within the bounds of law by virtue of a legal order from a co-equal court.
In addition, a request for transfer of venue has already been sought by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Further, 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.
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.
The DOJ stands in solidarity with the PNP in upholding the rule of law and in this quest for justice.
The subject of a writ of amparo pertains specifically to the protection against deprivation of life, liberty, or property resulting from unlawful acts or omissions of public officials. In this case, however, it is important to emphasize that the actions of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were executed in accordance with a valid warrant of arrest. Therefore, the grounds for invoking a writ of amparo do not apply, as there was no unlawful act that warrants such protection.
