Former KOJC ‘pastorals’ report ‘systematic abuse’ by Quiboloy to PNP

MULTIPLE alleged victims of Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and self-proclaimed Son of God pastor, have provided the Philippine National Police (PNP) with more information about the “systematic abuse” within the religious organization.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said they are uncovering “new and alarming” details about Quiboloy’s alleged criminal activities through “crucial” information provided by his alleged victims, including individuals referred to within the organization as “pastorals,” who allegedly fell victim to exploitation and manipulation.

“These courageous victims have spoken out and revealed their harrowing experiences. The abuse they endured shows an alarming pattern of manipulation and exploitation,” Marbil said.

Among the pastoral women, several were identified as part of an “inner circle,” a select group of young women who were allegedly sexually abused by Quiboloy.

“These so-called ‘inner circle pastorals’ were particularly vulnerable, with victims as young as 12 years old. Their testimonies have been crucial in revealing the full extent of Quiboloy’s alleged crimes,” Marbil added.

The top police official said the PNP is currently evaluating and validating the information provided by the alleged victims, in a bid to strengthen legal action against Quiboloy.

Marbil said they are working with relevant government agencies to ensure the safety and security of the alleged victims as the investigation against Quiboloy continues.

“This is just the beginning. The PNP is thoroughly examining the evidence to ensure that we build a solid case against Quiboloy. We will leave no stone unturned in this quest for justice,” Marbil said.

“We encourage all those who are still suffering in silence to reach out. The PNP is here to help and we will ensure that justice prevails for all victims. We are sending a clear message that no one will escape justice, especially those who exploit the vulnerable. These victims deserve their day in court and we will ensure that happens,” he added.

After a 16-day police operation at the KOJC complex in Davao City, Quiboloy and his four co-defendants in the charges of child abuse, sexual abuse and aggravated human trafficking surrendered on Sunday, September 8, after being cornered by the police.

They are currently being held at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

‘Abuse’

The charges against them were filed by several former members of the KOJC, mostly women who testified during a Senate investigation into criminal activities within the KOJC.

Two of them were Ukrainian women, alias “Sophia” and “Nina”, who have been members of the KOJC since they were minors and followers of Quiboloy.

In their testimonies, both “Sophia” and “Nina” stated that they were sexually abused by Quiboloy, who told them they had to sacrifice everything, including their bodies.

Nina said that if she refuses to have sex with Quiboloy, he will get angry and tell her, “You’re going to hell because of that.”

In 2021, she left the Philippines and the organization.

Another witness, alias “Amanda,” also shared her “traumatic” experiences as a pastoral member of the KOJC.

She said her father became a full member of the KOJC in 2009, while she and her younger sister were baptized as members in 2012. She was 15 years old at the time.

She said that initially they were forced to ask for alms or sell cookies on the street and give the money they earned to the church.

In 2013, they were offered a full scholarship by the management to attend Jose Maria College Inc. (JMC), which is owned by the KOJC.

Amanda said she was sexually abused by Quiboloy in September 2014. This prompted her to leave the organization together with her sister.

She said that after she left the organization, she was unable to go back to school or even find a job because the JMC refused to release her transcript of records.

Alias ​​​​“Jerome” also shared that in one case, Quiboloy had ordered them to smear chili pepper on their genitals, a pain they had endured for a month.

He said they were also ordered to bang their heads against the wall as punishment for various offences, including sneaking into cinemas to watch movies and having romantic relationships.

According to Jerome, they also had to advertise on the street. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)