More people have stepped forward to accuse detained televangelist Apollo Quiboloy of “abuse,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) disclosed on Wednesday.
PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo told reporters that a number of the alleged victims, some minors, reported their ordeals while law enforcers were trying to flush out Quiboloy from his hiding place inside the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City earlier this month.
“During the police operation at the KOJC compound, there were various individuals who approached the PNP, saying they were also victimized by Pastor Quiboloy,” she said in an ambush interview at the PNP custodial center where the preacher is being held.
However, Fajardo was not specific on the nature of abuse allegedly inflicted on the newly-surfaced complainants.
She added that the PNP has sought the assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in dealing with the complainants due to their young age.
As this developed, PNP top brass defended the actions taken by the Davao police during the operation inside the KOJC compound, saying the manhunt fell “within the parameters of police operational procedures.”
Fajardo made this comment in reaction to a resolution filed by the Davao City Council calling for an investigation on the alleged unauthorized use of police uniforms by civilians taking part in the search for Quiboloy.
“Well, that’s their right. We have said since the beginning that if someone files a case, that is their right. On the part of the PNP, we will deal with all cases filed by any party,” she said.
For his part, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil lauded Quiboloy’s alleged victims for bravely coming forward to tell their stories.
“These courageous victims have spoken up, revealing their harrowing experiences. The abuse they endured shows an alarming pattern of manipulation and exploitation. These so-called ‘inner circle pastorals’ were particularly vulnerable, with victims as young as 12 years old,” he noted.
Quiboloy is accused of several serious offenses in the Philippines and the United States, including coercing some of his followers to have sex with him.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “More minor ‘victims’ report Quiboloy abuses—PNP.”
