DSWD reprimands public figures who trivialized Quiboloy’s ‘heinous acts’

INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has criticized “public figures” who “appear to downplay” the charges against fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.

Quiboloy, leader and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), is accused of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.

The DSWD pointed out that “it is particularly painful when public figures, who should be champions of justice and defenders of the vulnerable, appear to trivialize these heinous acts or align themselves with those accused of such heinous crimes.”

The agency also said it stands with those who cannot protect themselves, particularly minors who are victims of abuse, trafficking and sexual exploitation.

“As the agency charged with protecting the welfare of our country’s most vulnerable, the DSWD cannot remain silent in the face of the serious charges against Mr. Apollo Quiboloy. The allegations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse of minors strike at the heart of what we stand for: protecting those who cannot protect themselves,” the report said.

“We must never forget that behind every case are real children, real mothers, and real families who are suffering. The DSWD stands with these victims. We are committed to ensuring that they get the justice they deserve and that their voices are heard,” it added.

READ: Suspected Human Trafficking Victims Rescued From KJC Compound

The DSWD said it pains them to see “a child in need, in pain or left without hope.”

“It is the same pain that drives our work at the DSWD,” the social protection agency added.

The DSWD called on leaders and citizens to support them in protecting the rights of every child in the country and support judicial processes to bring perpetrators to justice.

“We stand firmly with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his commitment to create a better future for every Filipino child, where no one is left behind or left to suffer alone,” it added.

According to reports, one of the rescued human trafficking victims in 2021 was said to have been taken by KJC members at the age of 17, while the other was said to be a 52-year-old woman who was allegedly brainwashed by the religious group.

Over the weekend, about 2,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided the KJC complex in Buhangin District, Davao City to execute arrest warrants for Quiboloy, who is wanted for child abuse, sexual abuse and aggravated human trafficking.

Davao police said they are continuously searching the KJC complex and are “more than confident” that Quiboloy is still inside.

PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo said Monday that the entrance to the underground bunker of the KJC complex will likely be found soon.

Fajardo also said that authorities’ ground radar is detecting “signs of life” in an underground area of ​​20-30 meters.