KOJC lawyer accuses gov't of de facto martial law over police operation

Atty. Israelito Torreon, legal counsel for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), accused the government of imposing de facto martial law after police dismantled a barricade set up by KOJC members outside their compound.

Torreon argued that the KOJC's prayer vigil rally was legal and conducted under a 'state of necessity' as sanctioned by the court, but questioned the extensive deployment of 3,000 troops for a manhunt targeting only Pastor Quiboloy and four others.

The Davao City regional court issued a supplemental order clarifying that while a temporary protection order was in place, it did not nullify arrest warrants related to Quiboloy and his associates.

KOJC lawyers also expressed concerns over the excessive use of force and questioned whether police actions were reasonable given the scale of deployment relative to the number of fugitives involved.

Police spokespersons maintained that their operations strictly adhered to legal procedures, denying claims of an ultimatum or plans to bomb the compound, while emphasizing the need for Quiboloy to surrender and face charges.