THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating police operations inside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) compound in Davao City.
“Yes, the commission is investigating the incidents concerning the KoJC, Your Honor,” CHR Chairman Richard Palpal-latoc said in response to a question from Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta during budget deliberations at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
“Our regional office is still conducting its investigation, and we expect the regional office to submit its recommendation as the soonest,” Palpal-latoc said.
The CHR chairman said that “there are several rights that may be involved here, one of which is… the religious freedom of the KoJC members.”
On August 24, about 2,000 police officers raided the compound to serve an arrest warrant against Apollo Quiboloy, who is accused of sexual abuse of children and human trafficking.
Palpal-latoc said they assigned at least three investigators to the area as early as September 1.
The investigators had power to advise state actors, he said.
When Marcoleta asked whether the investigators did, the CHR chairman answered in the affirmative.
“And what did the state actors do after being advised?” the lawmaker said.
Palpal-latoc replied, “As we all know, Your Honor, they proceeded.”
ANC reported that police on Monday allegedly forced the compound’s main gate open.
“Our regional office, Your Honor, is currently investigating the situation, monitoring the situation,” Palpal-latoc said.
Palpal-latoc said that “before the commission acts on the situation and to perform whatever’s necessary, we have to conclude our investigation.”
“We directed our regional office to expedite the investigation,” he said. “The region already submitted a few recommendations on a few rights involved.”
“As the regional office concludes one issue, they’re required to submit it to the commission,” he said.
The Manila Times asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) for comment but has yet to receive a reply as of writing.
Palpal-latoc said, “Perhaps, Your Honor, after the September 10 meeting of the commission en banc, we may have decided on a certain matter.”
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director BGen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. emphasized the importance of balancing law enforcement and the protection of human rights.
Personnel from PRO3 augmented the forces of PRO11, which led the August 24 raid on the KoJC compound.
Hidalgo reiterated the importance of maximum tolerance, especially in dealing with sensitive situations, and said officers involved in the operations should stay calm and composed when carrying out their duties, ensuring that no rights are violated during the arrest procedures or related activities.
WITH FREDERICK SILVERIO
