The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III said a court ruling convicting a member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) over a blockade during the arrest operations against Apollo Quiboloy underscores that the law applies to all. A Quezon City court recently found a KOJC member guilty of violating the Public Assembly Act after obstructing authorities during efforts to serve a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy. Reacting to the decision, Torre said it is not a cause for celebration or revenge, but a reminder that the law must prevail. “The decision is not a celebration or revenge, but a simple reminder that the law is the law,” Torre said in a social media post. Torre stressed that protest actions cannot justify illegal acts. “A protest cry cannot be used as a defense, and noise cannot be turned into an exemption,” he said, adding that influence should not be used as a license to violate the law. He added that while justice may take time, it will ultimately be served, and that both ordinary citizens and those in positions of power are equally bound by the law. Torre previously led police operations in 2024 to serve arrest warrants against Quiboloy at the KOJC compound in Davao City, which resulted in a standoff with followers who attempted to block authorities. The former PNP chief, who now serves as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager, reiterated that accountability and adherence to the law remain essential to maintaining public order.
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