Senate asked to probe alleged Quiboloy group human trafficking, child and sexual abuse cases

An investigation into the alleged cases of large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse and violence, and child abuse of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) under its leader, Apollo Quiboloy, has been sought in the Senate.
 

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros filed proposed Senate Resolution 884 amid the ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives into the alleged franchise violations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) which is reportedly owned by Quiboloy.

PSR 884 directs the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, which Hontiveros chairs, to investigate the matter in aid of legislation to “allow us to determine whether our updated human trafficking laws are able to cover large-scale and systemic acts of trafficking done under the cover of a religious organization.”

“Apollo Quiboloy, who styles himself as the ‘Appointed Son of God and the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ The Name Above Every Name (KOJC)’, allegedly demands strict obedience from his full-time followers through brainwashing, psychological manipulation and constant threats of eternal damnation,” Hontiveros wrote
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“Considering that the crimes were committed within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines and considering that crimes are taking place even at present as Quiboloy remains free to run operations of KOJC, it is imperative that an investigation be undertaken with dispatch,” the resolution read.
 

In the resolution, Hontiveros mentioned information that Quiboloy allegedly maintains a stable of women called “pastorals” who allegedly occupy a prestigious position in the organization because they are tasked to “perform special personal tasks and errands for him.”
 

The senator, citing informants’ testimonies, said that the “pastorals” are divided into the “inner circle” and the “inner of innermost circle” in which the latter are “being made to perform acts of a sexual nature” while the former is tasked to “washing his clothes, bathing him, cleaning his bedroom and massaging him.”

She also cited allegations against Quiboloy, including the alleged coercion of the members of the organization, many of whom are minors, to perform exploitative acts, such as begging in the streets and soliciting money from strangers.

Those who are not able to meet the quota of monies collected find themselves severely whipped or subjected to public humiliation, according to information cited by Hontiveros.

The opposition lawmaker also took note of Quiboloy and other KOJC officials’ indictment in California in 2021 for “conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion.”

GMA News Online has sought the comment of Quiboloy through SMNI and his legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, but they have yet to respond as of posting time.—RF, GMA Integrated News