Hontiveros bares accounts of Quiboloy's alleged 'criminal activities'

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday revealed accounts of victims who were allegedly exploited or sexually abused by Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.

Hontiveros revealed this in a privilege speech the same day she filed a resolution seeking a Senate probe into the alleged cases of large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse and violence, and child abuse which she said were done “under the cover of a religious organization.”

“Matapos po ang imbestigasyon sa Socorro, ako po ay nilapitan ng ilang mga biktima para magbunyag ng kanilang mga kwento. At gaya ng mga kwento ng mga biktima ni Senyor Agila gaya nila Chloe at Renz, nakakapangilabot ang kanilang mga kwento. Front and center of these narratives are the systemic sexual abuse of women and children in the hands of this man that they call Pastor,” Hontiveros said.

“These are not crimes of the past for which we are holding Apollo Quiboloy to account. This is an ongoing offense. Patuloy na nangyayari. The abuse of women and children is taking place as we speak, under the auspices of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ,” she added.

One of them was alias Jackson who was allegedly recruited when he was 15 years old along with his family to ask for alms on the streets using a “solicitation” letter for their organization or for his studies.

“Hindi natin alam, may malagim pala na sinasapit ‘yung mga batang di masyadong nakakadelihensya ng malaki sa paglilimos. Sila po ay pinapalo, 20 lashes, 50 lashes, 100 lashes. May isa pang nagkwento, pina-paddle din daw.  I am in possession of testimonies to that effect,” Hontiveros said.

Another minor, who was a former member of the KOJC, testified that he was held captive after having a date with a girl and was threatened that his head will be bumped against the wall until it bleeds.

Apart from accounts of exploitation and physical abuse, Hontiveros said her office is in possession of an affidavit “detailing the sexual abuse inflicted by Quiboloy himself on a minor” and they are in direct contact with a woman who also allegedly experience sexual abuse.

Further, the opposition lawmaker said they were able to talk to a preacher who “revealed other crimes done by Quiboloy” including stories of how the religious leader became wealthy and how he allegedly hides his wealth.

“These patterns and practices are persisting as we speak, and sustaining his other criminal activities. Hindi lang po sa Pilipinas ang mga krimen na ito,  kundi sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo. The international breadth of Apollo Quiboloy’s criminal activities is truly astounding,” Hontiveros said.

“Hindi po tayo titigil hanggang may batang nasa peligro. Hindi tayo titigil hanggang may mga ‘Diyos-Diyosan’ na naghahasik ng lagim sa mga kababaihan at kabataan. At kung paano ang maagap na tugon natin at ng buong gobyerno sa mga biktima ni Senyor Agila, sana ay ganyan din ang pagtugon sa mga biktima ng lider na ibabahagi ko ngayon,” she said.

GMA News Online sought Quiboloy's comment through Sonshine Media Network International and his legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, but they have yet to respond as of posting time. —RF, GMA Integrated News