THE violent attack by the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious compounds on June 10 was followed by an operation on a private residence in Davao del Sur.
SMNI News learned that the residence was approached by 6 vehicles carrying officers from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIGD) around 8 P.M. on July 1.
Aling Beverly, the homeowner, recounted her shock as her house was surrounded by more than 30 heavily armed police officers.
“I was shocked to see a vehicle stop in front of my home. When I peeked out, I saw uniformed men with guns. I got scared and started shaking. They were doing spot checks. There were many of them. “What is this? Why did they stop here? They have guns.” I thought, “What will they do to me?” said Aling Beverly, resident.
Frightened, Aling Beverly called her nephew, Aljun, but the police almost did not let him in because it was supposedly not allowed.
The police reportedly searched the entire house, including the back.
Aljun mentioned that had the police not informed him that their targets were already inside the house, he would not have allowed them entry.
Furthermore, Aljun said the police did not show any documents such as a search warrant or warrant of arrest, nor did they have a barangay official to attest to the legality of their operation.
The ordeal left the family traumatized and fearful.
They now urge authorities to uphold their mandate “to serve and to protect”.
Based on Section 2, Article III of the Bill of Rights, every person has the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose.
Individuals have the right to request the names of police officers and their authorization to conduct the operation.
They can also verify if the officers are equipped with body cameras or recording devices to ensure transparency and documentation of the operation.
Asserting your right to record the situation is important to protect your rights.
To recall, a similar incident occurred at the KOJC religious compounds where police forcefully attacked the areas.
This incident caused severe trauma to hundreds of KOJC missionary workers, both young and old.
In Kitbog, two members of the B’laan tribe died due to trauma caused by police actions during an attack on their homes.
