PASTOR Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), and four co-accused pleaded not guilty to qualified human trafficking charges on Friday before a Pasig City court, according to a radio report.
Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, confirmed the plea in a brief interview with reporters outside the court after the arraignment.
“Wala siyang kasalanan eh, ‘yun lang (because he is innocent, that’s all),” said Torreon when asked why his client entered a not guilty plea.
Torreon declined to provide further statements, citing that the case is now with the court.
“Wala kaming statement kasi ang kaso nasa korte na (We don’t have a statement because the case is already with the court),” he said.
The next hearing is scheduled for October.
Quiboloy wore a protective helmet and bulletproof vest as well as a face mask and sunglasses.
Asked if he had any message to his followers, Quiboloy said, ‘tatag lang tatag lang (be steadfast, just be steadfast).”
On Thursday, the Philippine National Police said five more persons have come forward accusing Quiboloy of rape.
Aside from his legal troubles in the Philippines, Quiboloy is also facing charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling in the United States.
Quiboloy and the others have been detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center inside Camp Crame in Quezon City following their surrender. They have previously denied the charges against them.
