Davao City, Philippines — The local government of Davao City has urged the public to be cautious about spreading unverified information, following a surge of rumors on social media claiming that the city is under lockdown. These rumors have added to the tensions already present due to a massive rally organized by members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), which has significantly disrupted traffic and activities in the city.
In a recent social media post, Davao City Councilor Luna Acosta emphasized that there is no truth to the claims of a Davao City lockdown. “Hindi po totoo na naka-lockdown ang Davao City,” Acosta stated, urging the public to avoid sharing unverified information. She reassured residents and travelers that all entries to and exits from the city remain passable, though checkpoints are in place as part of routine security measures.
Despite these assurances, the situation in Davao City remains tense. The ongoing Davao rally, primarily concentrated around the Davao International Airport, has led to significant disruptions. According to multiple reports, KOJC members have blocked Diversion Road, a key route leading to the airport, as they protest against the police raid on their compound in search of their leader, fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.
Davao Airport Closed Off by Protesters
The rally, which began on Saturday, has escalated in intensity. Protesters have set tires on fire and engaged in heated confrontations with the Philippine National Police (PNP). Despite police efforts to manage the situation, including the use of tear gas and a long-range acoustic device, the protesters remain defiant. The rally has effectively closed off access to Davao Airport, causing severe travel disruptions.
Local authorities, including the PNP, have denied that a Davao City lockdown is in effect. “There is no truth that the Philippine National Police has locked down the entry points in Davao City,” said PNP-Davao spokesperson Police Major Catherine Dela Rey. She clarified that it is the KOJC protesters who are blocking the national highway, not law enforcement.
The decision to raid the KOJC compound, which resulted in the death of one member and the injury of several others, has only fueled the anger of the protesters. The rally has drawn considerable attention, not just from local residents but also from netizens who have expressed their frustration online.
Netizens React to Davao City Lockdown Rumors and Airport Closure
As the Davao rally continues, residents and netizens have taken to social media to express their concerns. Many are frustrated by the misinformation surrounding a supposed Davao City lockdown and the ongoing disruptions caused by the rally. One netizen commented, “Davao is a shitshow right now. And to think the easiest way to solve this is for Quiboloy to show up and surrender.”
Another resident, who lives near Davao Airport, expressed worry about the impact of the rally on their daily life: “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.”
The rally, which shows no signs of dispersing, has prompted calls for military intervention to restore order in the city. At one point, a KOJC protester publicly threatened to assassinate the incumbent president, further heightening the tension in the area.
Travelers planning to use Davao International Airport are advised to seek alternative routes or delay their travel plans until the situation stabilizes. The local government continues to monitor the situation closely, and officials are working to ensure that the city remains safe and accessible despite the ongoing disruptions.
In conclusion, while there is no Davao City lockdown, the escalating Davao rally and the effective closure of Davao Airport have created a highly volatile situation. Authorities are urging calm and patience as they work to resolve the conflict and restore normalcy in the city.
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