Ex-KOJC members detail human trafficking, abuse allegations against Quiboloy

Trigger warning: This article contains content on alleged sexual abuse.

Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader and televangelist Apollo Quiboloy surrendered to authorities on Sept. 8 after months in hiding, following a Senate arrest order issued due to his refusal to address the allegations made against him.

In a recent episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," it was revealed that Apollo Quiboloy is facing a barrage of serious charges, including sexual abuse, money laundering, and human trafficking, all brought forward by former members of his church.

Following the arrest of the controversial pastor, a former of KOJC, identified as "Arlene", has come forward to share her experiences within the controversial religious organization.

At 15 years old, "Arlene" was persuaded to join KOJC.

She revealed that each member was required to beg or solicit funds to meet their financial quotas. In her case, she was expected to raise PHP 1,500 daily. Failure to do so often resulted in severe penalties.

Arlene had to drop out of school and travel to Manila, where she was allegedly forced to sell rice cakes from six in the morning until dawn.

"Nathaniel" also came forward and shared a similar experience with Arlene. He said he needed to go around Mindanao to ask for donations.

"Bine-brainwash na kami. Talagang pino-poison na talaga ang isip ng mga nasa loob. Papasok ako sa mall, sa mga establishment, sa mga bus. Magsasalita lang ako doon short then after that ibigay ang mga sobre. Ang nakokolekta na pera ay pupunta talaga sa kingdom, para kay Quiboloy," he said.

["We were being brainwashed. Our minds were truly poisoned by those within the community. I would go into malls, establishments and buses to say a few words and hand out envelopes. The money collected would go straight to the Kingdom, for Quiboloy's use."]

Members relentlessly did everything they could because failing to meet the quota resulted in severe punishment.

"Pina-squat po kami, pinalo ng logbook. Ipapahiya po kayo sa harap ng mga workers. Sabihan kang nagpagamit ka sa yawa, may demonyo ka," "Arlene" said.

["They made us squat and hit us with a logbook. They would humiliate us in front of the workers, telling us that we were used by the devil and that we had demons inside of us."]

Sexual assault charges

Quiboloy is also facing charges of sexual assault from female members of the church.

One of them is the then-minor "Amanda," who was invited to testify in the Senate.

"Amanda" said she was only 10 years old when she was recruited to work full-time after her father became a full-fledged church member.

"Ang sabi sa amin, bibigyan kami ng libreng paaral, magkakaroon ng allowance, may free board and lodging. Makakasakay daw kami sa eroplano ni Quiboloy; makakapag-travel daw kami nang libre at doon po pumayag ang aking ina," she said.

["They told us that we would receive free education, an allowance, and free board and lodging. We were also promised the chance to fly on Quiboloy's private plane and travel for free. That's why my mother agreed."]

At the age of 17, "Amanda" was assigned a new role within the church, specifically for what was known as "night duty." She was instructed to shower, change into a button-up shirt and pajama pants, and apply a specific shampoo and perfume lotion, both of which were favored by Quiboloy.

Amanda recounted a disturbing incident involving Pastor Quiboloy.

"Sinimulan niyang tanggalin ang butones ng t-shirt ko. Noong nakahiga na ako, pumaibabaw sa akin si Quiboloy. Sinimulan niyang halikan ang leeg ko, nanigas nga ako nang husto," she said.

["He began to unbutton my t-shirt and, once I was lying down, he got on top of me and started kissing my neck. I was paralyzed with fear I couldn't move."]

She added that she wanted to cry out for help but remembered they were strictly forbidden from questioning or resisting the pastor's actions.

Amanda then found out that she was not the only victim.

"May isang pastor lagi na maliligo, magbibihis, at gagamit ng kaparehong shampoo at body wash na ginagamit ko. Tulad rin sa naranasan ko, babalik ang pastor mga alas sais o alas siyete ng umaga.  Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin ako nakaka-recover. Alam kong hindi lang ako ang menor de edad na biktima ng sexual harassment ni Quiboloy," she said.

["There is always a pastor who will bathe, get dressed, and use the same shampoo and body wash that I use. Just like what I experienced, the pastor will return around six or seven in the morning. Until now, I haven't been able to recover. I know that I am not the only minor victim of sexual harassment by Quiboloy."]

Filipinos weren't the lone victims, as "Sofia," "Nina," and "Iona" from the KOJC congregation in Ukraine also reported being exploited by Quiboloy.

"One night, he came to my room to have sex. I was crying, I said that I didn't want to, and he got mad at me. He said, 'You are going to hell because of that,'" "Nina" said.

In 2018, a former member accused Quiboloy of sexual abuse in a Hawaii court.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) put Quiboloy on the 2022 Most Wanted List.

Despite these serious allegations, Quiboloy has consistently denied wrongdoing, and many members of his church continue to stand by him.

"Mga lola at lolo ko, 'yung una nito na religion. Siya ang pinadala ng Diyos para sa mga tao. Tumutulong siya sa hospital, sa pag-eskwela, merong mga pangangailangan, nagbibigay rin siya," "Mich" said.

["My grandparents were among the first to follow this religion. They believed he was sent by God to help people. He provides assistance with hospitals, education, and other needs, and also offers support."]

"Wala rin naman kaming nakitang hindi maganda na ginawa ni Pastor," "Mich" said while in tears.

["We never witnessed anything bad that Pastor did."]

Fe, Mich's youngest sibling, was a scholar under Pastor Quiboloy, who received full support for her secondary education. Fe firmly said "justice will prevail 'yan siya, ang Diyos na ang bahala diyan kasi alam ng Diyos na walang kasalanan si Pastor."

["Justice will prevail; God will take care of it because He knows Pastor is innocent."]

In recent months, multiple arrest warrants were issued for Quiboloy, who repeatedly evaded capture. Last week, he finally surrendered to authorities and was taken to Camp Crame.

"'Yung pag-serve natin ng warrant is umabot ng 16 days. Na-corner kasi siya sa isang building. Ang ating regional director nagbigay ng ultimatum sa kanya, if hindi siya magsu-surrender within 24 hours, i-a-assault na namin yung building so doon sila napressure," LtCol. Jeremy Filosofo of Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

["It took 16 days to serve the warrant. He was cornered in a building. Our regional director issued an ultimatum, stating that if he did not surrender within 24 hours, we would assault the building, which put pressure on him to finally surrender."]

On the other hand, Quiboloy's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, said that the pastor surrendered after a prolonged manhunt.

"No, he surrendered. Note that the police had been there for 15 days but still did not find him. Was there actual restraint? No," said Torreno in an interview.

"Pastor Quiboloy is hopeful that, since he has submitted himself to the custody of the law, the proceedings will be fast-tracked so he can prove his innocence in court," he added.

Secretary Benhur Abalos of the DILG confirmed, "He faces two cases: human trafficking in Pasig, which has no bail, and exploitation of sexual molestation in Quezon City, which also has no bail."

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senate Committee chair on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality said, "This is a significant development for the victim survivors, as we owe it to their bravery to reveal the truth of what happened to them. The day of justice, or at least a measure of justice, for the survivors is drawing near."

Five more alleged sexual abuse victims also came forward recently.

"Allegedly minomolestiya rin sila. 13 years old until na nawala sila sa KOJC. Ang sabi daw sa kanila ni Pastor nakikipagtalik sila sa espiritu ng Diyos." PCol. Hazel Tuazon said.

[They were also allegedly molested by Quiboloy. They were 13 years old then. They said that Quiboloy told them they are having intercourse with the spirit of God."]

Allegations against Pastor Quiboloy also include threats that victims would be pursued by "angels of death."

Authorities are currently preparing to rescue approximately 50 suspected victims.

Quiboloy has entered a plea of not guilty to the multiple charges filed against him.

The KMJS team has sought comment from Quiboloy's camp but has yet to receive a response.

—JCB, GMA Integrated News