Press Release - Bong Go urges PNP to uphold professionalism and remain free from politics as he questions alleged excessive force in operation at KOJC Compound

During a Senate Committee on Public Order hearing on Monday, August 5, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go raised concerns regarding the Philippine National Police's (PNP) alleged use of excessive force during a police operation within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.

Go emphasized the importance of adhering to operational procedures that dictate the use of only necessary and reasonable force.

"Let me remind the PNP that in its operational procedures, only necessary and reasonable force should be used to accomplish the task of enforcing the law and maintaining peace and order," said Go.

The operation, conducted on June 10, aimed to serve an arrest warrant against KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy. The operation involved over 100 police officers, including units from the PNP's Special Action Force and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. These units were dispatched to four properties owned by Quiboloy in Davao City, Samal Island, and Sarangani Province to execute the warrants.

Another maneuver by the law enforcement agencies on August 3 saw SWAT personnel once again stationed in strategic locations near the KOJC compound.

There was public outcry over the methods employed by the police, particularly concerns about the impact on local residents, reports of traumatized children, and disruptions in local school classes.

Go highlighted that the PNP's manual explicitly states that weapons should only be used as a last resort.

"The operational manual of the PNP also states that the use of weapons (is) only in lethal approach and as a last resort if the suspect is 'armed and dangerous' or if there is 'unlawful aggression or intention to cause severe injury, serious bodily harm or death to police officers and other people'," Go added.

Reports of a SWAT team deployed in full combat gear causing panic among residents, especially children, and students, were particularly troubling to the senator.

"Nitong nakaraang araw po, may mga reports na nakarating na meron pong mga naka-deployed po na SWAT team, PNP-SWAT team in full combat gear, naka full combat gear sila sa palibot ng central compound ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ sa Sasa, Davao City. Nagdulot