(UPDATE) CHARGES of sexual child abuse and qualified trafficking are set to be filed against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Monday.
Remulla’s announcement came after the Department of Justice (DoJ) overturned a joint resolution dated June 29, 2020, issued by the Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City, which dismissed the complaints for rape, qualified human trafficking and child abuse against Quiboloy and several members of the KJC.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO
The complainant-appellant’s allegations, which date back to 2011, highlight a series of abuses, including an act of rape in September 2014 when she was a minor, emotional and physical mistreatment, and forced labor without compensation, all under the guise of religious service to the KJC.
Despite the dismissal of her initial complaints and subsequent denial of her motion for reconsideration, the complainant’s persistent legal battle has brought new light to the gravity of her accusations, Remulla said in a media briefing.
He said upon reevaluation, “it has been determined that there exists probable cause against Quiboloy for the crime of sexual abuse of a minor, under Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610, as well as qualified human trafficking and other acts of child abuse also against the controversial preacher and several church members.”
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“This petition for review has lingered unresolved for four long years. Our foremost aim is to achieve justice within the Philippines, grounded firmly on the evidence presented and the statutes of our legal system,” said Remulla.
He said the Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City has been ordered to file the sexual child abuse case against Quiboloy and co-respondents.
On the other hand, the case for qualified human trafficking will be filed before the Pasig City court.
At the same time, an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) was issued against Quiboloy last February 27 to prevent him from fleeing.
Remulla said the ruling underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the rights and protection of minors against abuse and exploitation.
“This case represents a significant step toward addressing and rectifying injustices suffered by vulnerable members of our society, particularly children, and reinforces the legal framework protecting them from abuse and exploitation,” he said.
Quiboloy is also wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity.
It was alleged that females were recruited to work as personal assistants, or “pastorals,” for Quiboloy and that victims prepared his meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages and were required to have sex with him in what the pastorals called “night duty.”
Quiboloy was indicted by a federal grand jury in the US District Court for the Central District of California for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. On Nov. 10, 2021, a federal warrant was issued for his arrest.
Last month, the Senate issued a subpoena for the KJC founder after he failed to show up in two hearings that aimed to uncover the details of the sexual abuse and forced labor charges against him and his church members.
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