THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has overturned the dismissal by the Davao Prosecutor’s Office of a series of charges against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name Inc. (KOJC), paving the way for his indictment on charges linking him to qualified trafficking, child abuse, and related offenses.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed this development in a press briefing on Monday, stressing that upon the filing of cases against Quiboloy, the DOJ would seek the Supreme Court’s approval to transfer the trial to courts in Metro Manila, as posted on abogado.com
The move aims to ensure a fair trial and prevent potential violence and unrest associated with Quiboloy’s court appearances and subsequent arrest.
“In light of the potential for unrest, it is prudent to seek a transfer,” Remulla said, underscoring the necessity to maintain order during legal proceedings involving Quiboloy.
Upon the DOJ’s reversal, charges slated to be filed against Quiboloy include sexual abuse of a minor and other acts of child abuse under Republic Act No. 7610, as well as qualified human trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208. The named respondents in these cases are Quiboloy, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes.
In 2020, the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed charges against Quiboloy and several others, citing insufficient evidence. Subsequently, the complainant filed a Petition for Review with the DOJ.
“The investigation into this matter has spanned four years, and our thorough examination has revealed compelling grounds to hold Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and his associates accountable,” Remulla said in Filipino, noting the gravity of the allegations involving a 17-year-old complainant.
Remulla hinted at the complainant’s relocation to a safehouse and potential enrollment in the Witness Protection Program due to the prominence of the respondents.
He also reiterated that the pursuit of charges against Quiboloy is devoid of political motivations.
“Despite our personal history, this is purely a matter of duty. It is not an easy decision for me, but it must be done,” Remulla said.
Regarding the basis for overturning the Davao Prosecutor’s Office dismissal, Remulla suggested a possible misinterpretation of the case’s facts by the prosecutor.
The U. S. Federal Bureau of Investigatio has released a wanted poster for Quiboloy and two others for “Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud and Coercion, and Sex Trafficking of Children; Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion; Conspiracy; Bulk Cash Smuggling”.
Charged with Quiboloy were Teresita Dandan and Helen Panilag.
Quiboloy is “wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders,” the FBI said.
The United States government imposed financial sanctions on Quiboloy.
The sanctions were imposed by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to demonstrate the US government’s focus on promoting respect for human rights and countering corruption in recognition of the International Anti-Corruption Day and Human Rights Day.
