MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday urged restraint from the Philippine National Police and followers of fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy after tensions erupted Monday during a standoff near the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property in Davao City where the religious leader is allegedly holed up in a bunker.

The PNP and KOJC members have exchanged allegations of misconduct since the standoff began Saturday.

In a statement, the CHR said it is continuously monitoring the ongoing police operation to search and arrest Quiboloy, who faces sexual abuse and human trafficking charges before Philippine and US courts.

The latest attempt to serve the arrest warrants for Quiboloy was met with protests from angry KOJC members, who blocked the entry of hundreds of police officers into the 30-hectare compound by massing together and positioning heavy equipment and several vehicles.

READ: Operation at KOJC compound could end months-long search for Quiboloy

Riot police implemented dispersal as KOJC members refused to budge on their ultimatum to break up the barricade. Quiboloy's lawyer said at least 18 KOJC followers were arrested.

"The Commission reiterates its appeal to the PNP to exercise maximum tolerance and to avoid misconduct and arbitrary arrests. Moreover, it is imperative that state forces, during their search for Quiboloy, uphold the rights of KOJC members to practice their religious activities and ensure the safety of civilians living within the compound," the CHR said in a statement, adding that it "has also taken cognizance of the reported incident where a police officer used pepper spray on a KOJC church member."

It also said: "Through the investigation by our Region XI personnel on the ground, the CHR has taken cognizance of incidents involving some members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and KOJC that may have resulted in human rights violations."

The CHR also noted the rescue of alleged victims of human trafficking inside the KOJC property. 

READ: Search for Quiboloy enters 4th day, KOJC compound has 'secret passages' - PNP

The rights commission meanwhile urged members of KOJC to refrain from engaging in unruly activities that could jeopardize other people's safety. The CHR said it issued the reminder as some KOJC members allegedly set wheels on fire, threw chairs, and verbally harassed the media.

The agency continued the statement with its appeal "to everyone to allow legal proceedings to ensue without undue interference."

"The CHR also underscores the need for accountability for those accused, urging them to abide by the law and allow justice to prevail for the victims and their families."

READ: Palace: 'The law must take its course' in cases vs Quiboloy

The PNP is convinced that Quiboloy is hiding in the sprawling KOJC property, possibly in an underground bunker, after detecting a "heartbeat," saying they will not leave the compound until he is arrested.

But in an ANC interview on Tuesday, Ferdinand Topacio, one of Quiboloy's counsels, said that law enforcers should not stay inside the compound because it is private property, arguing that police risk violating Quiboloy's rights. 

The lawyer also claimed that the police's use of "excessive force" prompted the "backlash" from members of the KOJC.

Quiboloy, the self-styled appointed son of God, has denied the sexual abuse and trafficking accusations, saying these were made by former members who have grudges against the religious group.

He has also denied allegations of rape by claiming his women followers fight each other to be with him.

READ: Respect for human rights must be priority in search for fugitive Quiboloy — advocate