CHR investigates PNP raids on KJC compound for potential rights violations

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is monitoring developments and investigating potential human rights violations related to the Philippine National Police's raids on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City.

CHR investigators visited detained KJC members at the Davao City Police Office to interview alleged victims of police harassment following the August 24 and 26 raids.

The commission is assessing whether the PNP actions violated religious freedom rights, including prohibitions on entering their cathedral during searches for fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.

CHR emphasized that any infringement on KJC members' religious practices must be justified, proportionate, and necessary under current circumstances, citing international humanitarian law principles.

The CHR also urged Quiboloy to face the charges and KOJC members to allow police to execute the warrant, while reminding both parties to avoid actions that could prolong the search or escalate tensions.

CHR further stressed that the police operation should only involve implementing the arrest warrant in accordance with legal rules and human rights principles.