Quiboloy 'victims' can be included in witness protection program —DOJ

The alleged victims of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy can be included in the Witness Protection Program (WPP), an official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Friday.

“Pwedeng-pwede silang masama sa WPP (they can be included in the WPP),” Justice Undersecretary Nicky Ty said in an interview on BP Ngayon when asked if victims can be included in the program.

Ty urged victims to reach out to the DOJ so they can be referred to the WPP.

On Thursday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that five new victims told police officers that they were allegedly raped by Quiboloy.

PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the alleged victims claimed that they were told that sexual intercourse with Quiboloy is their “passes to heaven.”

According to Ty, the DOJ will also coordinate with the PNP for the filing of new cases in relation to the five victims.

“Makikipag ugnayan kami sa PNP para tignan kung handa na ba talaga ‘yung kanilang mga hawak na biktima na magkaso. Kami ay makikipag ugnay no, upang maghain ng mga bagong kaso para sa mga biktimang ito,” he said.

(We will coordinate with the PNP to see if they are ready to file cases for their detained victims. We will collaborate to prepare new cases for these victims.)

Meanwhile, Ty said the sole complainant in the two cases against Quiboloy in the country has also been offered witness protection.

“Ngunit para sa kanya at sa kanyang abogado, mas komportable sila sa kanilang mga sariling arrangements no, para sa proteksyon ni Amanda,” he said.

(However, for her and her lawyer, they are more comfortable with their own arrangements for Amanda's protection.)

“Ang nabigay na lang namin sa kanila ay kado ano, kada punta nila sa korte ay may escorts sila ng mga tao namin mula sa WPP,” he added.

(All we gave them whenever they went to court, whenever they went they had escorts from our people from the WPP.)

Allegations

KOJC legal counsel Atty. Israelito Torreon told GMA News Online that these are still allegations and have yet to be investigated.

“Those are still in the realm of allegations which have yet to be investigated, hence, we appeal to the PNP NOT to subject the said new allegations to so much publicity,” he said in a message.

“After all, presumption of innocence is an important hallmark in our Bill of Rights, hence, we earnestly request the PNP to stick to that fundamental principle in our rule of law,” he added.

Quiboloy's legal team also previously maintained that the KOJC founder is "innocent until proven guilty."

"Hindi magagawa yan ni Pastor Quiboloy. The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. And second accusation is not equivalent to guilt," said Atty. Mark Tolentino who is a member of Quiboloy's legal team.

"I'm sure planted lahat 'yun... manufactured yan," he added.

Quiboloy is facing charges for qualified human trafficking, which he earlier pleaded not guilty to before a Pasig court, as well as a child abuse case before a Quezon City court.

He is expected to be arraigned before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 106 on Friday afternoon.

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. —VAL, GMA Integrated News