CA nullifies temporary protection order for Quiboloy group

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) 22nd Division nullified the temporary protection order issued by the Davao Regional Trial Court on police operations to arrest wanted religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

In a resolution dated Sept. 3, the court said the local court acted “without authority” when it decided on the writ of amparo filed by Quiboloy’s group, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). It said the protection order was baseless.

On Aug. 27, the regional court directed police forces to “immediately cease and desist any act or omission that threatens the life, liberty, or security” of the KOJC members. It also ordered the police to remove all barricades from the access to the KOJC compound.

READ: Court grants temporary protection order for Quiboloy group

The CA said the amparo case was “closely intertwined” with cases filed against Quiboloy, which were already transferred to the Quezon City RTC as ordered by the Supreme Court.

“To allow the public respondent to continue hearing the case would certainly circumvent the mandate of the Supreme Court. The public respondent should have stayed his hand in the Amparo Case to prevent any semblance of bias or influence - the very evil sought to be prevented by the Supreme Court Resolution,” the CA said in its resolution.

Solicitor General Menado Guevarra told NewsWatch Plus that the CA has commanded the Davao court to forward the records of Quiboloy’s case to the RTC.

In a message, Israelito Torreon, KOJC legal counsel, said Quiboloy’s legal team has appealed the CA order.

Police forces have been attempting to serve the arrest warrant to Quiboloy since Aug. 24.

Quiboloy is facing charges related to human trafficking, sexual and child abuse, among others.

He is also wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for labor and sex crimes.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report