By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is documenting more complaints against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
“During the stay ng PNP doon ay may mga lumapit para magsalita at sinasabing sila rin daw diumano ay naging biktima po. They were also victimized by Pastor Quiboloy allegedly. Inabuso din daw sila allegedly,” PNP spokesperson PCOL. Jean Fajardo said in a chance interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday.
Fajardo said they are now coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, adding that it was the parents of the purported victims who approached the police.
Quiboloy and his aides Jackielyn Roy, Sylvia Cemañes, Ingrid and Cresente Canada surrendered after they were cornered by the police inside one of the buildings of the KOJC compound in Davao City on September 8.
In a separate statement, PNP chief PGEN. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the police have uncovered new and alarming details regarding Quiboloy’s alleged criminal activities, further intensifying its ongoing investigation and efforts to bring him to justice.
Marbil said several victims have bravely come forward and provided crucial information about the systematic abuse of young women under Quiboloy’s influence.
These individuals, referred to within his organization as “pastorals,” were reportedly subjected to exploitation and manipulation.
“These courageous victims have spoken up, revealing their harrowing experiences. The abuse they endured shows an alarming pattern of manipulation and exploitation,” Marbil said in a statement.
Among the pastorals, several were identified as part of an “inner circle,” a select group of young women who have allegedly suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Quiboloy.
“These so-called ‘inner-circle pastorals’ were particularly vulnerable, with victims as young as 12 years old. Their testimonies have been crucial in uncovering the full extent of Quiboloy’s alleged crimes,” Marbil said.
“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 pursuit of justice,” Marbil emphasized.
In collaboration with various government agencies, the PNP will extend support to the victims and ensure their safety and well-being as the investigation continues.
“We encourage anyone who may still be suffering in silence to reach out. The PNP is here to help, and we will ensure that justice prevails for all the victims,” he said.
Quiboloy’s arraignment resolved
Meanwhile, Fajardo said the conflict of schedule over the arraignment of Quiboloy and his co-accused in two courts set on Friday has been resolved.
She said the five would appear personally before the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 at 8:30 a.m. while their arraignment at the Quezon City RTC Branch 106 via videoconferencing was rescheduled to 1:30 p.m.
The five are facing qualified human trafficking and child sexual abuse complaints before the Pasig and Quezon City courts, respectively.
Fajardo said that security measures are being discussed for the transport and physical attendance of Quiboloy and his other co-accused at the Pasig court.
“We also consider the security challenges that we will be facing in case they will be transported from Crame to Pasig without also taking a chance as to the situation if we remove their security when they arrive at the Pasig court. That is now all being considered as we speak,” she added.
Quiboloy and his four co-accused will remain detained at the PNP Custodial Center.