The presence of many policemen, particularly those whose faces are covered, have made residents of Barangay Tamayong in Davao City uncomfortable.

Barangay Tamayong is where one of the properties of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is located.

The PNP believes that Quiboloy, who is wanted for trafficking charges, is still in Davao City and is hiding in one of the group’s properties.

Morning on August 8, 2024, policemen were seen entering the barangay on foot.

“Pasulod na mi sa eskwelahan tapos nakit-an man namo nga naay mga pulis, daghan kaayo paadto didto sa babaw. Medyo nakulbaan lang mi Sir uy. Akong anak, medyo nakulbaan pud, tapos niingon na lang pud akong anak nga musulod na mi,” Girly Aldaya, one of the residents, said.

The police officers left around 8 a.m. on board their patrol cars.

Another resident said they are worried about the police officers patrolling the area several times because their community has always been peaceful.

“Makulbaan pud mi kay naay mga pulis ana kay duol ra pud mi diri unya matingala na lang mi inig gawas namo sa kalsada, naa nay mga pulis. Mahadlok pud mi ba nga kuan, unsay mahitabo,” another resident, Gina Baldevino, added.

The Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) explained that the presence of police officers in the area is part of crime prevention activities.

It’s spokesperson, Maj. Catherine Dela Rey, said the residents have nothing to worry or be uncomfortable about, especially if they have not done anything wrong. In fact, she said, the presence of the cops should even make them feel more secure.

“Wala ma’y dapat ikahadlok ang mga tao. Kay kung wala ka’y sala, dili man ka dapat mahadlok. Kung naa man gali mo’y nakita nagapatrol diha nga mga pulis, mas malipay nuon mo kay malayo mo sa kriminalidad,” Dela Rey said.

It can be recalled that the police have set up a checkpoint in the area on August 5, 2024 supposedly to serve an arrest warrant against Quiboloy’s co-accused, Cresente Canada, but Canada was not found. While there was a checkpoint, some residents were reportedly not allowed to enter or leave the community immediately.