DSWD chides public figures ‘downplaying’ Quiboloy’s ‘horrific acts’

INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has chided “public figures” who “seem to downplay” the charges against fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.

Quiboloy, leader and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), is facing allegations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse of minors.

The DSWD pointed out that “it is particularly painful when public figures, who should be champions of justice and defenders of the vulnerable, seem to downplay these horrific acts or align themselves with those accused of such egregious crimes.”

The agency also said it is standing with those who cannot protect themselves, particularly minors subjected to abuse, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation.

“As the agency tasked with safeguarding the well-being of our nation’s most vulnerable, the DSWD cannot stay silent in the face of the serious charges against Mr. Apollo Quiboloy. The allegations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse of minors strike at the very core of what we stand for: protecting those who cannot protect themselves,” it said.

“We must never forget that behind every case are real children, real mothers, and real families who are suffering. The DSWD stands with these victims. We are committed to ensuring that they receive the justice they deserve and that their voices are heard,” it added.

READ: Alleged human trafficking victims rescued from KJC Compound

The DSWD said it pains them to see “a child in need, in pain, or left without hope.”

“It is this same pain that drives our work at the DSWD,” the social protection agency added.

The DSWD urged leaders and citizens to stand with them in protecting the rights of every child in the country and support the judicial processes to bring perpetrators to justice.

“We stand firmly with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his commitment to creating a better future for every Filipino child, where no one is left behind or left to suffer alone,” it added.

Based on reports, one of the rescued human trafficking victims was allegedly taken by KJC members when he was 17 in 2021, while the other was a 52-year-old woman purportedly brainwashed by the religious group.

Over the weekend, around 2,000 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided the KJC compound in Buhangin District, Davao City to serve arrest warrants for Quiboloy, who is wanted for child abuse, sexual abuse, and qualified trafficking cases.

The Davao police said they are continuously searching the KJC compound and are “more than confident” that Quiboloy is still inside.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo on Monday said the entrance of the underground bunker of the KJC compound would likely be found soon.

Fajardo also said the ground-penetrating radar of authorities is detecting “signs of life” in an underground area spanning 20-30 meters.