Solons call for thorough probe amid rescue of trafficking victims in KOJC compound

Lawmakers on Monday called for a comprehensive investigation following the rescue of alleged human trafficking victims from the compound of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) led by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. 

House Assistant Minority Leaders Cheeno Miguel Almario and Migs Nograles issued their separate statements after the police tried to serve the warrant of arrest against Quiboloy inside the KOJC compound.

“We are alarmed at the fact that when a valid warrant of arrest for Apollo Quiboloy was [being] enforced at the KOJC compound, they found alleged victims of human trafficking. This is a clear-cut sign that there is irrefutable basis for the accusations being brought forth against him,” Almario said.

He said that the police should promptly investigate the case of two alleged victims of human trafficking, saying they and their families deserve no less than justice.

“Ibig bang sabihin nito na patuloy na nangyayari ang krimen na ibinibintang kay Mr. Quiboloy? I feel for the family of the victims and the victims themselves. Mahirap mawalay sa pamilya na hindi sigurado kung makakauwi pa ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Kaya dapat maparusahan ang responsable sa krimeng ito,” Almario said.

(Does this mean that allegations leveled against Quiboloy are still happening? It’s hard to be taken away from your family without knowing if you will be able to see them again. Those behind these crimes should be held responsible.) 

Nograles, a lawyer, echoed Almario’s position.

“I applaud the authorities for their decisive action in rescuing these young individuals. However, I also strongly condemn anyone who attempts to defend or downplay the severity of these crimes. Human trafficking is not something to be dismissed or ignored. Allowing it to happen within one’s premises is serious, but being complicit in such heinous acts is an even graver offense,” she said.

“Pastor Quiboloy did not act alone. We must ask: Who are his accomplices? Those managing the property, those aware of its operations, and those who allowed such crimes against humanity to occur?” she added.

The two alleged human trafficking victims rescued from KOJC compound were a 21-year-old male from Samar and a female from Midsayap, Cotabato who were reportedly prevented from leaving the KOJC compound despite their desire to do so.

“This incident is alarming and underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the operations within the KOJC compound,” Nograles said.

GMA News Online reached out to Quiboloy's lawyer, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, for comment but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

KOJC legal counsel Israelito Torreon earlier denied that their organization is engaged in human trafficking.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Representative Janette Garin, for her part, said that Vice President Sara Duterte should defend the victims of crimes instead of Quiboloy.

Garin issued the statement a day after the Vice President condemned what she said was an abuse on the part of the police in serving warrant against Quiboloy. 

“As a mother, a woman, and a public servant, I cannot remain silent in the face of Vice President Sara Duterte's recent statement concerning the KOJC and the ongoing legal actions against its leaders. While Vice President Duterte expresses concern over the police's implementation of lawful warrants, I find it troubling that her sympathies appear to lie more with a powerful figure wanted for serious crimes rather than with the vulnerable women and minors who have suffered at the hands of an accused predator,” the lawmaker said.

Garin said that the gravity of the charges against Quiboloy and other KOJC leaders should be taken seriously, considering that they are also facing alleged conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling charges in the United States.

Last March 7, Central District of California Judge Terry Hatter Jr. also ordered the unsealing of the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused. 

“These are not trivial matters to be dismissed or overshadowed by political spin. The real issue here is justice for the victims—innocent individuals whose lives have been irrevocably harmed. It is essential that our leaders prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable among us, not the defense of those with power and influence who have been accused of heinous crimes,” Garin said.

“The message from the Vice President may resonate with those who supported her in the 2022 elections, but it must also be recognized for what it is—a deflection from the grave issues at hand. We must hold accountable those who would harm the innocent, and we must demand that our leaders do the same,” she added.

House members Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider party-list and Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list backed Garin, saying Quiboloy should face his charges, regardless of his stature as a church group leader.

“This is not just about following the law; it’s about showing respect for our justice system and ensuring that due process is carried out fairly. I urge Pastor Quiboloy to heed this call and demonstrate his respect for the rule of law by submitting to the judicial process,” Gutierrez, a lawyer, said.

“Pastor Quiboloy is a fugitive facing serious charges, and the PNP (Philippine National Police) was simply fulfilling its duty to enforce the law. It’s imperative that we allow our law enforcement agencies to operate without political interference,” Acidre added.

Senate President Francis Escudero and Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros also called on Quiboloy surrender to authorities as his supporters have started blocking a major road en route to the Davao International Airport.

“I join the call of Senator Dela Rosa on urging Pastor Quiboloy to surrender in order to avoid any further aggravation and worsening of the situation where there may be more needless loss of lives, as well as an increasing disrespect for the rule of law and our law enforcers,” Escudero said.

Hontiveros, for her part, said that Quiboloy is to blame for the chaos.

“It won’t reach this point if he shows up. He should end this and show up,” she said.

“Nonetheless, the PNP should ensure that no violence is committed in the exercise of their mandate. No one should be hurt as a result of the police arresting Quiboloy. Our law enforcers must practice maximum tolerance,” she added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News