1-9-2024 (MANILA) Philippine authorities have blacklisted and banned three Malaysian nationals claiming affiliation with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) from entering the country.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) revealed on Sunday that the individuals, identified as Jessica Lynn Henry, Mimielianna Annie Anak Leesoi, and Andrijosebaul Anak Garra, all in their mid-20s, arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 from Kuala Lumpur on 27 August. Their entry was swiftly denied following a thorough inspection by immigration officers.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco disclosed that the Malaysians were promptly repatriated on 28 August after officials uncovered their apparent intentions. “Our immigration officers discovered their intent to participate in anti-government demonstrations being staged by KOJC members who are protesting the ongoing manhunt for Pastor Quiboloy,” Tansingco stated.
The commissioner emphasised the Philippine government’s stance on foreign involvement in domestic affairs, asserting, “Foreigners have no business interfering in the country’s internal political affairs, thus aliens who join these protest actions can be expelled for violating our immigration laws and for being undesirable aliens.”
According to the incident report, the Malaysian nationals claimed they had been invited by the KOJC to visit Davao City. However, their unemployed status and inability to demonstrate financial capacity raised red flags among immigration officials.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of an intensifying search for Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of KOJC, who has been evading authorities for over a week. Police efforts have concentrated on a 30-hectare property believed to house the religious leader, with speculation mounting that he may be concealed in an underground bunker within the KOJC compound.
The manhunt has led to escalating confrontations between KOJC members and law enforcement officials attempting to serve a warrant to Quiboloy. The religious group’s supporters have staged demonstrations protesting the police actions, creating a volatile situation that authorities are keen to manage without external interference.
This latest development highlights the international dimensions of the Quiboloy case, suggesting that the KOJC’s influence extends beyond Philippine borders. The attempt by foreign nationals to potentially participate in protests related to the manhunt raises questions about the global network of the religious group and its ability to mobilise supporters internationally.
The decision to blacklist the Malaysian nationals sends a clear message about the Philippine government’s determination to maintain control over the situation and prevent any foreign intervention that could further complicate the already delicate operation to apprehend Quiboloy.
