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Headlines
AQ holed up in KOJC estate bunker
By J.Lo
"We have very positive information that Quiboloy and his associates are inside KOJC compound," Maj. Catherine dela Rey, Davao Police Regional Office 11 spokesperson said Apollo Quiboloy, leader of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, is likely hiding in underground bunker up to 30 meters deep within KOJC compound in Davao City.
Dela Rey said multiple signs of life have been detected underground using life detector equipment.
She said Philippine National Police detectors confirmed there are people underground in the compound and PNP is now focused on locating entrance to bunker.
Despite use of ground-penetrating radar, identified signs of life 20 to 30 meters below ground, KOJC members have been uncooperative, according to Dela Rey.
"They have been obstructing our efforts, and structures they are protecting suggest they are hiding something significant," Dela Rey noted.
Ferdinand Topacio, one of Quiboloy's lawyers, has no communication with his client.
He stressed he has no information if Quiboloy is still in the country, adding, "I cannot speak without knowing all information."
Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP public information officer, confirmed search operation is concentrated in specific area within 30-hectare KOJC compound where radar detected signs of life underground.
"We believe we are close to finding secret entrance to bunker," she said, emphasizing PNP is facing significant resistance from KOJC members in these target areas.
Fajardo noted PNP has received intelligence confirming Quiboloy's presence within compound, driven intensified search efforts.
"Resistance we are encountering is strongest in areas we believe could be hiding Quiboloy, which further reinforces our belief that he is there," she said.
Fajardo said despite challenges, PNP remains confident in its mission.
"We are in high spirits and confident that we will soon locate secret entrance and bring this operation to successful conclusion," Fajardo stressed, while refraining from disclosing specific details about ongoing search.
Asked if Duterte family should interfere, Dela Rey said police would engage in dialogue to seek their assistance in convincing Quiboloy to surrender peacefully.
"We hope they understand that we are just doing our job, following court's orders to apprehend Quiboloy due to warrants issued against him," she said.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil called on "political backers and influential supporters" of Quiboloy to "uphold rule of law" by encouraging him to face charges filed against him.
Marbil emphasized importance of adhering to legal processes and reminded Quiboloy's supporters rule of law is fundamental principle that must be respected by all, regardless of status or influence.
"I respectfully urge you to exemplify true leadership by advising Quiboloy to adhere to rule of law and to address accusations against him through proper legal channels," Marbil stated.
Tensions between Quiboloy's group and police escalated on Sunday evening, resulting in injuries to at least seven police officers and arrest of three KOJC members during rally outside group's compound in Davao City.
According to report from PNP public information office, officers sustained head injuries, nose bridge bleeding, bruises and left knee injury.
Six of the officers were transported to Camp Quintin M. Merecido Hospital for treatment, while one received treatment at the scene.
Rally, supposedly prayer and candle-lighting event, turned violent when KOJC members and other persons allegedly blocked national highway with vehicles, including wing van, cranes and fire truck, obstructing both sides of the road near KOJC compound.
This also affected access to Davao International Airport, although airport's entrance remained open, according to Dela Rey.
"Rallyists violated permit issued by Davao City government, allowed them to conduct event inside KOJC compound…instead, they held rally on highway and burned tires, turning situation aggressive and violent," Dela Rey said.
PNP arrested three persons during rally charged with obstruction of justice and direct assault.
Other possible charges, according to Fajardo, are being considered with PNP "lawyers studying possible charges, including human trafficking, illegal detention and assault on police officers."
Dela Rey noted that police employed maximum tolerance throughout event but warned dispersal could occur if blockade was not removed.
Despite ongoing negotiations, around 200 rallyists remained in front of KOJC compound, with additional police forces being deployed to manage situation.
"We've requested augmentation of 300 officers to support 2,000 police personnel already on the ground," Dela Rey said.
Regional police offices in Soccskargen, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga peninsula and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have expressed their solidarity with their Davao counterparts.
Fajardo denied allegations that police initiated violence.
"PNP did not start commotion…we have maintained maximum tolerance, despite our officers being attacked with fire extinguishers and other objects," Fajardo said during news briefing at Camp Crame.She added PNP is investigating reports KOJC members may have inflicted injuries on themselves to blame police.
"We have video evidence showing that KOJC members were hurting each other to create false accusations against police…we are currently authenticating this footage," Fajardo added.
She urged Quiboloy and his supporters to allow police to carry out their duties peacefully.
"This is not fight against KOJC….these are valid warrants of arrest against specific individuals…we appeal to KOJC to cooperate and allow us to complete our legal responsibilities," Fajardo said.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte asked how long it would take for PNP to search compound, even as he urged KOJC members to protest peacefully.
Antonio Pido, national president of Integrated Bar of the Philippines said duration of such searches is relative, depending on size and structure of the area to be searched.
Duterte lamented "excessive force against innocent civilians" and "unauthorized occupation" of KOJC compound.
"As much as I want to intervene, police personnel will only listen to PNP chief and their Commander-in-Chief President Bongbong Marcos," Duterte said in statement.
His brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, sent food packs and water to KOJC rallyists.
Both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific advised their passengers traveling through Davao International Airport of possible flight changes.
"Cebu Pacific is aware of ongoing demonstrations in Davao City affect access to Francisco Bangoy International Airport," its advisory said.
Passengers were advised to "allow extra time for their journey to airport as they may experience longer travel time."
Philippine Airlines is offering their passengers options to convert their ticket to travel credits or to rebook, refund or reroute these to another flight within 60 days from original flight.
Cebu Pacific is offering free rebooking and travel funds to passengers who wish to postpone their flights from Davao.
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