A militant women’s party-list group on Saturday demanded that justice be served to the victims of Apollo Quiboloy and called for an investigation on ex-President Rodrigo Duterte and all other government officials and private individuals who may have aided him when he was in hiding.
In light of what she called “the recent harrowing details of Apollo Quiboloy’s crimes,” Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas registered the party’s unwavering support to the victims of his alleged abuses, especially those who may still be living in fear and silence.
“The details about Quiboloy’s alleged crimes are the work of someone who is pure evil. It is a grave injustice that Quiboloy has operated with impunity in Mindanao for decades, possibly leaving behind a trail of countless victims who have been too terrified to speak out,” Brosas said in a statement.
“Victims must be given immediate support, especially protection and legal assistance.”
The lawmaker said that Quiboloy must face the fullest extent of the law for the crimes he has committed against women and children.
“Quiboloy should rot in jail. Nor should he be given the special treatment that is usually given to the rich and attached to the government. All those who aided and abetted his actions, including powerful figures and public officials, must be held accountable.”
Brosas called for a thorough investigation into former President Duterte’s long-standing association with Quiboloy.
“Duterte, whose spiritual adviser is Quiboloy, and his potential involvement in shielding him from justice must be scrutinized, especially given Duterte’s recent appointment as administrator of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ’s properties,” Brosas said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros meanwhile slammed the request of Quiboloy’s camp for hospital arrest in Davao City.
Hontiveros noted the human trafficking, rape, and child abuse cases that Quiboloy faces and that no special treatment should be given to the controversial KOJC leader.
The senator also said Quiboloy has no right to choose where he should be detained.
Quiboloy earlier pled not guilty to charges of qualified human trafficking, his lawyer said on Friday.
KOJC legal counsel Israelito Torreon said the preacher and four co-accused entered the plea during their arraignment at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court branch 159 but refused to give further details.
“He pled not guilty. We have no further statement because the case is already in court. We already pled not guilty,” he told reporters in Filipino after the proceedings.
A heavily guarded Quiboloy wearing body armor and a Kevlar helmet arrived for his day in court.
When journalists asked him if he had a message to his followers, he muttered, “tatag lang, tatag lang (stay strong, stay strong).”
Quiboloy will remain detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City pending action on his lawyer’s request that he be subjected to a physical checkup by government doctors.
The KOJC founder’s lawyer petitioned the court that he, along with co-accused Ingrid Canada, be transferred to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Davao City due to their existing health problems.
However, RTC Branch 159 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa ordered that Quiboloy’s co-accused; Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Jackielyn Roy and Sylvia Cemañes be detained at the Pasig City Jail.
Meanwhile, of the five individuals who recently came forward to accuse Quiboloy of sexual abuse, two have agreed to tell the court about their ordeal.
