PNP arrests 18 KOJC members for barricading road in Davao

On Monday afternoon, Philippine National Police arrested 18 members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in Davao City after the group refused to disband a barricade on Diversion Road.

Police issued three warnings before resorting to force when KOJC followers resisted, throwing chairs and an unidentified foul-smelling liquid at officers who used truncheons in response; authorities also dismantled the barricades put up by the religious group.

By 4 p.m., police cleared the road for traffic and filed complaints against those arrested for obstruction of justice, while KOJC plans to file their own complaints against the police.

The rally began on Saturday morning when 2,000 police officers went to the compound to serve a warrant of arrest against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who faces charges of child and sexual abuse and human trafficking but has denied the allegations.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo defended the use of tear gas and denied initiating violence, while also investigating reports of abuse of authority among some officers involved in the operation.