Davao court orders PNP to remove KOJC barriers amid ongoing search for Quiboloy

A Davao City court issued a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) directing the Philippine National Police (PNP) to remove barriers to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound, following a petition for a writ of amparo filed by KOJC and Jose Maria College Foundation.

Despite the TPO, the PNP remains in the premises to enforce arrest warrants against fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused.

KOJC lawyers criticized the PNP on Thursday, accusing authorities of violating the rights of people uninvolved in the cases against Quiboloy and his followers, calling it a "continuing" and "contemptuous" violation of the TPO.

The lawyers stated that police operations have disrupted classes at Jose Maria College, religious services, and activities at the KOJC Cathedral, restricting freedom of movement for six days.

Police reportedly brought in more equipment and began drilling at the school in search of a supposed bunker, similar to previous drilling at the KOJC Cathedral.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) called the TPO "moot and academic," asserting that police operations were lawful and conducted based on a court order.

The DOJ also stated that police operatives did not prevent persons from entering and leaving the compound, and barricades were only placed for security purposes.

Following the TPO, the KOJC asked the court to issue a show-cause order against Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. and PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil for alleged contempt of court.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has requested the transfer of Quiboloy's criminal cases from Davao to Quezon City.