By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy on Friday (13 Sept 2024) pleaded not guilty to charges of qualified human trafficking at his arraignment at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court branch 159.
His five co-accused — Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemane — also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Quiboloy and his co-accused surrendered to authorities last Sunday more than two weeks after police raided the 30-hectare Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Buhangin, Davao City,
Quiboloy, a close friend and spiritual adviser of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte, was accused of trafficking female KOJC members, some as young as 12 years old, to sell goods and raise funds for the church.
Reports said some female members have accused the KOJC leader of molestation, alleging the pastor said it was their way of getting into heaven.
On Thursday (12 September 2024), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said five more persons have come forward accusing Quiboloy of rape.
Quiboloy’s qualified trafficking charges, being handled by the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159, are non-bailable.
The KOJC leader 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.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla earlier said he expected the US to request Quiboloy’s extradition “very soon.”
ia/mnm
