Tensions escalated in Davao City on Sunday evening as members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) staged a massive rally, blocking major roads leading to the Davao International Airport, according to several media reports.
The standoff between the protesters and forces from Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao continues to unfold, with the situation intensifying by the minute. Protesters could be heard screaming, furious at law enforcement authorities.
Flames have been spotted at the scene as rallyists burned some tires, according to a GMA Integrated News livestream on YouTube. The protesters admitted to burning the tires in retaliation for the tear gas allegedly fired by policemen.
The rally, which has caused significant traffic disruption, shows no signs of dispersing despite efforts by law enforcement to manage the situation.
According to a Facebook post by MindaNews, PNP-Davao denied reports that there was a lockdown in all the entry points in Davao City. Authorities said they are exercising maximum tolerance amid the tense situation.
“There is no truth that the Philippine National Police has locked down the entry points in Davao City,” spokesperson Police Major Catherine Dela Rey said.
“They [KOJC members] are the ones blocking the national highway.”
The protest stemmed from the PNP’s decision to raid the KOJC compound on Saturday in search of the religious organization’s fugitive leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, which resulted in the death of one of their members and the hospitalization of others.
Travelers heading to the airport are advised to seek alternative routes or delay their travel plans as the situation remains fluid.
As of this posting, police reportedly deployed a long-range acoustic device to disperse the rallyists.
One of the protesters who was speaking on behalf of the group said they have decided to stay on the streets.
“Kahit na barilin niyo kami ngayon, manatili kami rito, saksi ang buong sanlibutan (Even if you shoot us, we will stay here, as the universe is our witness),” he said, addressing the police officers at the scene.
Netizens vent frustration
Citizens in Davao could only watch in both frustration and horror as the events unfold. Some have ranted on social media, criticizing the local government for letting the situation seemingly go out of control.
“Davao is a shitshow right now. And to think the easiest way to solve this is for Quiboloy to show up and surrender,” said one netizen over X (formerly Twitter).
“The situation is really bad right now with the protest and I live near the airport… They are burning the road and setting trees on fire… Hope it doesn’t get so bad to the point I can’t go to school,” another wrote.
Some appealed for members of the military to step in and help restore law and order in the city.
At one point, the KOJC protester who was holding the microphone publicly threatened to assassinate an incumbent president, so the vice president can takeover, based on the audio feed of the livestream.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. More updates will follow as the situation progresses.
