Quiboloy pleads not guilty as more complaints come in

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – As arrested pastor Apollo Quiboloy appeared in court in Pasig and Quezon last week on charges of assault and human trafficking, more similar complaints are surfacing in Davao.

Colonel Hansel Marantan, acting director of the Davao City Police Department (DCPO), said on Thursday, September 12, that there are victims who have approached Quiboloy’s operations for help due to their experiences with alleged abuses.

Marantan said the victims were lured into joining Quiboloy’s church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and Children’s Joy Foundation with the promise of free education. They were asked to provide “pastoral service” in return.

The police chief said they are collecting the statements and will file charges against Quiboloy.

“He’s a pedophile,” Marantan described the disgraced pastor after hearing more stories about allegedly abusing minors.

Davao Today published a story in 2021 in which women’s rights advocates have long complained about Quiboloy’s influence in preventing victims from taking legal action against him.

Professor Mae Fe Templa, a consultant and former undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Development, had requested that the accreditation of Quiboloy’s foundation be revoked, but her motion was denied.

Quiboloy pleaded not guilty to the two arraignments last week, on September 12, in the cities of Pasig and Quezon.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court will try Quiboloy and his five associates for sexual abuse and child abuse, while the Pasig court will investigate the qualified charges of human trafficking against him.

The charges of sexual abuse and child abuse are punishable under Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Rights advocates hope Quiboloy’s trial will run its course, an issue that has sparked debate among Davawenyos over his influence and the case’s implications for the ongoing Marcos-Duterte rift. Quiboloy is an ally of the Duterte family, as former President Rodrigo Duterte became the trustee of his properties after his legal woes.

Peace activist Pastor Danny Pantoja said in his Facebook post: “For those who claim to be his victims, this is a first step towards truth and justice.”

Former Bayan Muna Party Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, a human rights lawyer from Davao City, said Marcos should ensure that Quiboloy is not given a luxurious stay in detention, as Quiboloy’s lawyers had requested hospitalization due to the pastor’s high blood pressure.

“The Marcos government must ensure that Quiboloy is not given VIP status and is held fully accountable for his alleged crimes. He must not become a political trophy at the expense of the interests of the victims. The government should not stop at Quiboloy but also go after the others who committed crimes with him without punishment,” Zarate said. (davaotoday.com)

Related