DOJ To File Numerous Charges Against Apollo Quiboloy
QUIBOLOY – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to issue numerous charges against religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has directed the commencement of legal proceedings against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the religious sect Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) based in Davao City. Separate cases involving sexual abuse and qualified human trafficking will be submitted to different courts.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a press briefing on Monday that the DOJ has accepted the review petition from Quiboloy’s accuser, a former follower who claims to be a victim of his s*xual assault. The Davao City Prosecutor’s Office is tasked with filing charges against the self-proclaimed “Son of God” for the sexual abuse of a minor, under Republic Act No. 7610, commonly known as the Anti-Child Abuse Law.
Apart from Quiboloy, five other individuals will also be prosecuted for offenses related to child abuse, cruelty, or exploitation under RA 7610.
Additionally, charges of qualified human trafficking under Section 4(a) of RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking Persons Act of 2003, are set to be filed in the Pasig Regional Trial Court.
“We have studied this and investigation showed that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and his companions really need to be held accountable to a complainant who was 17 years old when the crime happened,” Remulla said.
“I know Pastor Quiboloy. I consider him a friend but I have to do my job. I have a duty to the Filipino people; I have to do my job,” he added.
The Justice Secretary announced their intention to request the Supreme Court’s authorization for relocating the trial of these cases to courts situated in the National Capital Region once the formal submissions are made.
“Because of problems in Davao …, there were threats being made, we will be asking the Supreme Court to transfer the cases to Manila and appoint a special panel of prosecutors to handle them,” Remulla said.
Furthermore, it was noted that he has already approved the issuance of an immigration lookout bulletin for Quiboloy. Upon the formal filing of charges, the prosecutors will pursue a hold departure order to prevent his departure from the country.