PNP says 7 cops hurt as tensions rise in Quiboloy search

MANILA – Around seven cops were hurt as tensions escalated in the ongoing police operations to capture fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy at the religious group's compound in Davao City.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said six of these personnel were transported to the Camp Quintin M. Merecido Hospital for medical treatment while one was treated at the area.

"May putok na ulo na pulis natin, may basag ang nose bridge, maraming galos, maraming sugat sa paa at sa kamay. Hindi tayo ang nagsimula ng gulo (One of our police sustained head injuries, one a broken nose bridge, there were small cuts and many wounds on the feet and hands. We did not start the mess). In fact, kung mapapansin ninyo hindi nanghuli ang ating kapulisan kahapon (if you would notice, our police did not apprehend anyone yesterday because) we want to deescalate yung (the) tense situation kahapon kahit pa binato tayo ng mga monobloc chairs at yung claim nila na meron tayong tear gas na ginamit ay wala katotohanan yun (yesterday even if they hurled monobloc chairs and they claimed that we used tear gas. These are false claims)," Fajardo said.

She said they also have a video showing several members of KOJC hurting their fellow members to make it appear that the police mauled them.

"We are just waiting na ma-authenticate itong video na ito (for this video to be authenticated) to show how desperate these people are para ipakita na umaabuso 'yung mga pulis natin, nanakit ng mga pulis natin (that our police are being abusive or our police are hurting them) but on the contrary, 'yung mga pulis natin ang minumura, tinatadyakan at sinasaktan at lahat ng klase ng pagmumura ay natanggap nung ating mga kapulisan (they are the ones cursing, kicking and hurting our police officers. Our police officers got all types of curse words from them) but they maintained their composure," Fajardo added.

Fajardo said the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 (Davao) would disperse the KOJC members staging protest actions outside the compound and have blocked the national highway with vehicles and heavy equipment.

Charges for the obstruction of public roads will be filed against the concerned KOJC members, she added.

Fajardo also slammed the "misinformation" related to the operation.

"'Yung claim nila first day pa lang na pumasok doon na tahimik at nakiusap na payagan na tayo pumasok, kiniclaim kaagad nila pito ang namatay, maraming sugatan (Their claim on the first day where we peacefully entered and we even requested for us to be allowed entry, they claimed immediately that seven people were killed and many were wounded) but until now wala silang napapakita na pito or walong bangkay (they have not shown seven or eight corpses)," she added.

Fajardo also said the two individuals – a 20-year-old male and a 51-year-old female – rescued by the police inside the compound were already turned over to their respective families after they were "held against their will" within the KOJC compound.

Fajardo said complaints were being prepared against those involved in the "detention" of the two rescued individuals.

Police are still searching for the entrance to an underground bunker inside the 30-hectare compound believed to be where Quiboloy is hiding.

Fajardo said this was shown by the ground penetrating radar being used by the police which indicates signs of life on a particular ground.

"They don't want us to be there. They continue to drive us away from the place where we are concentrating our search. We are watching closely the area and per my conversation with (PRO 11 chief) (Brig.) Gen. (Nicolas) Torre (III), we believe we are inching closer to the secret entrance of this bunker," she added.

Quiboloy and five other KOJC members are facing charges of child abuse and human trafficking.

Courts in Davao City and Pasig City ordered their arrest.

The PNP stormed the KOJC compound in Davao City early Saturday morning.

Lawyer Israelito Torreon, the legal counsel of KOJC, confirmed on Monday that 18 of its members were arrested by the police for obstruction of justice.

"We will put up bail for them tomorrow and we requested the police to conduct (a) medical examination and they will be provided with (a) lawyer that will assist them," he said in an interview.

However, the police have yet to confirm the reports about the apprehension.

After the dispersal on Monday afternoon, the Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-11) impounded two crane trucks, two firetrucks, one wing van, and five cars owned by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ which were utilized as barricades by protesters since Sunday night.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) joined the country in commemorating National Heroes Day with a message of support to the deployed officers of the Davao Region in pursuit of Quiboloy.

In a statement, PRO-10 Director, Brigadier Gen. Ricardo Layug Jr. said they are extending full support to PRO Davao Region (PRO-11) and they "stand ready" to assist in any capacity required to ensure the successful and safe serving of warrants.

"We commend the diligence and courage of all the police officers involved in the operation. Your commitment to your duty is a testament to the integrity and professionalism of our police force," he said. (PNA)