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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate probe into alleged human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse vs Apollo Quiboloy's mega church sought

Senate probe into alleged human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse vs Apollo Quiboloy's mega church sought

Published Dec 11, 2023 05:07 am

A resolution seeking an investigation into the reported cases of large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual violence and child abuse happening at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), the Name Above Every Name church headed by spiritual leader Apollo Quiboloy has been filed in the Senate.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, in filing Senate Resolution No. 884, said she has found it imperative for the Senate to look into the KOJC’s liability under Republic Act No. 9208 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act.

The senator said Quiboloy, who styles himself as the Appointed Son of God and leader of the said church, allegedly demands strict obedience from his full-time followers through brainwashing, psychological manipulation and constant threats of eternal damnation.

Quiboloy, a known friend and supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, reportedly maintains a stable of women called “pastorals” who occupy a prestigious position in the organization, and are divided into the “inner” circle” and the “inner of the innermost circle,” the resolution stated.

According to informants, Hontiveros said these so-called “pastorals” are tasked to perform special personal tasks and errands for him, with the latter category being made to perform acts of sexual nature and the former category being made to perform other personal tasks such as washing his clothes, bathing him, cleaning his bedroom and massaging him.

“Some of these pastorals were still minors during their recruitment and during the period they were made to perform sexual services,” Hontiveros said in the resolution.

RA 9208 penalizes the “recruitment, obtaining, hiring of persons by means of fraud, deception, taking advantage of their vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation and imposes maximum penalties on acts involving the trafficking of minors and sex trafficking.”

The resolution also alleges that Quiboloy coerced members of the organization—many of whom are minors—to perform exploitative acts—such as begging in the streets and soliciting money from strangers.

“According to informants, those who are not able to meet their quota of monies collected find themselves severely whipped, or subjected to public humiliation,” she said.

It could be recalled that in February 2022, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released wanted posters for Quiboloy and two other KOJC officials over trafficking charges, following their indictment in November 2021.

At that time, Quiboloy was indicted for 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.

The FBI also said Quiboloy was engaged in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the US, through fraudulently obtained visas and forced members to solicit donations for a bogus charity.

“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 the operations of KOJC, it is imperative that an investigation be undertaken with dispatch,” the senator said in the resolution.

“An investigation in aid of legislation will also 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,” she said.

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