PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil —PNP FB page
MANILA, Philippines — More alleged victims of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy have come forward to shed light on the “systematic abuse” committed within the religious organization he founded, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said on Wednesday.
They approached the authorities during the 16-day operation to find and serve a warrant of arrest on Quiboloy and his four coaccused at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City.
In a statement, Marbil said the PNP had uncovered “new and alarming details regarding Apollo Quiboloy’s alleged criminal activities… providing crucial information about the systematic abuse of young women under Quiboloy’s influence.”
READ: Quiboloy on rape: Too many women fight over me; ‘pinag-aagawan ako’
Quiboloy and four of his five coaccused KJC associates surrendered to authorities on Sept. 8, emerging from one of the buildings in the compound, after being given a 24-hour ultimatum.
Young ‘pastorals’
The massive manhunt involved up to 2,000 police officers and saw a tunnel being dug inside the sprawling property, while being hounded by protests and legal actions by KJC lawyers and supporters.
All the accused have since been detained at Camp Crame, the PNP headquarters in Quezon City, although one of the two local courts hearing the cases has ordered them transferred to the city jail.
According to Marbil, young women known in the KJC sect as “pastorals” or personal assistants have surfaced to add to the accusations placed on record against the preacher who called himself “The Appointed Son of God.”
“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.
“These courageous victims have spoken up, revealing their harrowing experiences. The abuse they endured shows an alarming pattern of manipulation and exploitation,” he said.
The PNP is currently documenting the fresh accounts to boost the cases against Quiboloy, as it urges more victims “who may still be suffering in silence to reach out.”
Based on the filings, the cases against Quiboloy and the others involve only one complainant who said she suffered sexual abuse, emotional and physical maltreatment, and periods of forced labor “all under the guise of religious service.”
The alleged abuses, including being raped in 2014, began in 2011 when she was still a minor.
“This is just the beginning,” Marbil said. “The PNP is thoroughly examining the evidence to ensure that we build a solid case against Quiboloy.’’
Senate awaits him
At the Senate, opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the chamber would soon request the courts to compel Quiboloy’s appearance before the committee that had also been investigating the alleged abuses.
“We will schedule as soon as possible the next hearing where Apollo Quiboloy will show up. Once we have set the date of the next hearing, I will write to the proper court to ensure that he will appear, in accordance with the standing warrant issued by the Senate against him,” Hontiveros said in a video message.
Aside from the court-issued arrest warrants, the KJC leader faces another that emanated from the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, for ignoring its subpoena.
Hontiveros, who chairs the panel, said it still had many questions for the pastor, particularly on his recruitment of members.
“Those female members as well as the minors and even some male members who suffered maltreatment from him; those who were forced to beg for money just to support his lavish lifestyle. He has to answer for his human-trafficking activities in various parts of the Philippines and other areas abroad,” she added.
‘Parallel’ trials suggested
At the House of Representatives, Manila Rep. Joel Chua said it was possible for Quiboloy to be arraigned first in Philippine courts before being extradited to the United States, where he also faces a string of cases.
Chua noted that the US charges against the pastor—for sex trafficking, fraud and money laundering—were filed “much earlier than the Philippine cases.”
“By arraigning Quiboloy first here in the Philippines, our judiciary assumes jurisdiction over him,” Chua said. “While he is in the US, he can still attend PH court proceedings through remote video conferencing at the Philippine Embassy or consulate offices there.”
“This way, the cases in the Philippines and US move in parallel,” he added.
President Marcos on Monday said the pastor would first have to submit to court proceedings in the Philippines since the government had yet to receive an extradition request from the United States.