Press Release - Robin to File Resolution Seeking Probe Into PNP 'Operation' on KOJC Premises

Was there a violation of the Philippine National Police (PNP)'s policy to respect human rights when its operatives conducted an operation on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) premises in Davao City last June 10?

Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla raised this issue as he sought a Senate investigation into the alleged "unnecessary and excessive force" used by PNP members during the operation.

"In serving warrants, law enforcement should take into consideration the totality of the situation at hand which should not in any way violate the dignity of persons ... There is a need for the PNP to promote and protect human rights because these very acts are vital to the maintenance of public order, guarantee of public safety, and respect for the rule of law," he said in a resolution he will formally file on Tuesday, June 18.

"There is a need for the PNP to promote and protect human rights because these very acts are vital to the maintenance of public order, guarantee of public safety, and respect for the rule of law," he added.

Padilla's resolution seeks to direct the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation on the alleged unnecessary and excessive force by the PNP members in the June 10 operation.

In his resolution, Padilla noted no less than Art. II Sec. 4 of the 1987 Constitution "imposes upon the Government the primary duty to serve and protect the people" while Art. II Sec. 11 of the Constitution "is a recognition of the State's high regard to the dignity of every person with a guarantee of full respect for human rights."

Also, he said the PNP adopted a Human Rights-Based Policing (HRBP) policy, whose guidebook stresses that "the first level of its human rights obligations is to respect human rights by refraining from interfering with the enjoyment of people's rights."

Yet, he cited reports that when PNP operatives including those from the Special Action Force (SAF) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) raided the KOJC premises including the Prayer and Glory Mountains - supposedly to serve arrest warrants on KOJC founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and five others - some missionaries were reportedly hurt during the