CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – Police breached a barricade set up by followers and supporters of fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy and began arresting protesters Monday afternoon, August 26.
Authorities moved in minutes after protesters ignored warnings to clear a section of the Carlos P. Garcia Highway. Police began inching toward Quiboloy’s supporters as they were playing and listening to a recording of the widely performed and classic gospel hymn “He Touched Me.“
The Davao-based Newsline Philippines, in an initial report, said it counted more than a dozen protesters arrested.
Authorities dismantled the KOJC’s makeshift stage and sound system and removed trucks and heavy equipment that protesters had used as roadblocks.
Davao-based broadcaster DXDC-RMN reported that the area was cleared by 5 pm, but the highway section remained closed to vehicular traffic.
Plastic chairs and debris flew as protesters resisted the crowd dispersal, and protested when the police confiscated some of their properties, DXDC reported.
Representatives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) came to observe and document the crowd dispersal.
In a statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Davao Region said protest organizers had secured a city hall permit to hold a prayer vigil at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound, but not on a section of the highway.
Police said that “the venue where they conducted the rally is not in accordance with the permit they secured.”
Quiboloy’s supporters had earlier said they would not leave the area until police ceased their “occupation” of the 30-hectare KOJC compound. Police have maintained they were still working to locate the fugitives within the expansive property, which includes more than 40 structures and a complex network of tunnels, passageways, hidden spaces.
Davao police director Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III said they had detected heartbeats underground using sophisticated equipment, but locating the entrance had been quite challenging. Police said they were determined to stay in the compound until they catch Quiboloy.
Quiboloy’s supporters had occupied the part of the highway outside the KOJC compound since Sunday night, August 25, to protest the ongoing manhunt for the religious leader and four of his associates, who are wanted on charges of child abuse and human trafficking.
Sunday’s protest was marred by violence, with the regional police office claiming that at least six cops were hurt by Quiboloy’s supporters and the KOJC accusing the police of using tear gas. – Rappler.com
