Quiboloy, others plead not guilty to human trafficking raps

Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and his four co-accused on Friday pleaded not guilty to qualified human trafficking charges before a Pasig City court, according to Mark Makalalad's report on Super Radyo dzBB.

Quiboloy's legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon confirmed the plea in a brief ambush interview with reporters outside the court after the arraignment.

"Wala siyang kasalanan eh, 'yun lang (because he is innocent, that's all)," said Torreon when asked on why his client entered a not guilty plea.

Torreon refused to give a statement, saying the case is already with the court.

"Wala kaming statement kasi ang kaso nasa korte na (We don't have a statement because the case is already with the court)," he said.

Torreon said the next hearing will be held in October.

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy arrives at the Pasig RTC 159 for his arraignment for qualified human trafficking @gmanews @24OrasGMA pic.twitter.com/exSNLQmyEK

— Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) September 13, 2024

Quiboloy, escorted by officers of the Philippine National Police, arrived at the Pasig Court around 7:40 a.m. after leaving Camp Crame at 7:18 a.m. He wore a protective helmet and bulletproof vest  as well as a face mask and sunglasses.

Asked if he had any message to his followers, Quiboloy said, “tatag lang, tatag lang (be steadfast, just be steadfast)."

Quiboloy's qualified trafficking charges, being handled by the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159, are non-bailable. His co-accused are Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemane.

Quiboloy surrendered to authorities in Davao City over the weekend after he was given an ultimatum to turn himself in within 24 hours. 

Meanwhile, the pastor is also expected to be arraigned before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 106 on Friday afternoon for charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and under Section 10(a) of the same act. 

On Thursday, the Philippine National Police said five more persons have come forward accusing Quiboloy of rape.

Aside from his legal troubles in the Philippines, Quiboloy 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.

They have previously denied the charges against them.

Before the arraignment, Quiboloy and the others were detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center inside Camp Crame in Quezon City following their surrender. However, a separate report by Makalalad on Friday said only Quiboloy will remain in the facility while the four will be transferred to the Pasig City Jail.

According to the report, Quiboloy will remain in Camp Crame for being a "security risk." —KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News