CHR investigates possible human rights violations during police operations in KOJC

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating possible human rights violations related to the service of an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and his co-defendants at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Complex (KOJC) in Davao City.

In a statement, the CHR assured the public that it is monitoring the situation inside and outside the KOJC premises.

At the time of writing, police had been searching for Quiboloy and his co-accused in the complex for over a week, beginning on August 24, 2024.

CHR said its investigators and lawyers from CHR-Davao (CHR-11) have already visited the arrested KOJC members after they were detained during the dispersal of the assembly on August 24 and 26, 2024.

The CHR team also interviewed alleged victims of police harassment.

CHR added that it is also currently investigating whether there were violations of the KOJC members' right to exercise their religious freedom after police banned them from using the cathedral and cordoned off the area.

“It is important to stress that the right to practice religion is a fundamental human right enshrined in both national and international law. Even in times of conflict, international humanitarian law (IHL) recognizes the need to protect places of worship from unnecessary interference and desecration. Although the current situation does not constitute an armed conflict, the principles of IHL provide a valuable analogy: any actions that unreasonably violate the religious practices of KOJC members must be carefully examined to ensure that they are justified, proportionate and necessary in the circumstances,” CHR said.

“The CHR calls on the PNP to take these considerations into account in its operations on the grounds and to recognize that depriving people of access to religious sites can have profound effects on the religious freedom and spiritual well-being of believers,” it added.

CHR reiterated its call on the police to exercise their authority within the framework of the law and urged KOJC members not to obstruct the police in their duty to execute the arrest warrant.

“As the police search now enters its second week, we reiterate our demand that all accused must undergo due process and that our justice system can function. We call on Quiboloy to respect his statement that he will be brought to justice. [the charges against him] anywhere and at any time,” said CHR.