Bacolod Mayor Supports DILG Action Against Child Abuse and Human Trafficking

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, national chairman of the League of Philippine Cities, expressed support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) campaign against child abuse and human trafficking, amid the Senate investigation into the police operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.

“I fully support Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and his efforts to combat child abuse, human trafficking and sexual exploitation,” Benitez said in a statement Wednesday.

He added that Abalos’ leadership in these areas, and in the various programs adopted by the DILG, ensures that law enforcement operates with integrity and accountability.

“We stand with the DILG Secretary as the investigation into the operation continues on June 10, 2024. I am confident that justice and transparency will prevail,” the mayor said.

“Bacolod City remains committed to working with the national government to protect our citizens and enforce the law.”

On Tuesday, Abalos was among the experts in the public inquiry conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs into the legality of the PHP10 million reward offered for information leading to the arrest of KOJC leader Apollo Quiboloy.

According to the Senate report, Abalos said “the reward was offered to them by someone who wanted to help arrest Quiboloy and other individuals in connection with various criminal cases pending before the court.”

Quiboloy has three arrest warrants issued for child abuse and sexual abuse by the Davao City Regional Trial Court and for human trafficking by a Pasig City court.

The Court of Appeal also issued an order freezing known assets of Quiboloy, including ten bank accounts, seven real estate properties, five motor vehicles and one aircraft.

On June 10, police officers visited five properties owned by Quiboloy in Davao. It was alleged that the Philippine National Police had used excessive force. (PNA)