Criminal charges have been filed before the regional trial courts (RTCs) in Davao City and Pasig City against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo C. Quiboloy for the alleged sexual abuse and non-bailable qualified human trafficking in 2011 of a young girl who was then 17 years old.
In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the charges filed against Quiboloy before the Davao City RTC was a criminal case for violations of Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act (RA) No. 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Quiboloy's five co-accused in the case for violation of Section 10(a) of RA 7610 are Jackielyn W. Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid C. Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes.
Filed against Quiboloy and his five co-accused before the Pasig City RTC was a case for violation of Section 4(a) of RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking Persons Act of 2003, a non-bailable offense.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla had said that the DOJ will move for the transfer of the Davao City RTC case to any RTC branch in Manila.
"The Department of Justice is dedicated to the enforcement of our laws and the protection of our children from exploitation and abuse,” Remulla said.
“These cases underscore our commitment to hold accountable those who would harm our society's most vulnerable,” he pointed out.
He also said the cases also serve as “a reminder that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law.”
The filing of the case in Davao City RTC was contained in a resolution issued by Remulla who granted the petition for review of the female victim who sought the reversal of the Nov. 23, 2020 resolution of the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office that dismissed her complaint against Quiboloy and the other accused.
Remulla's resolution also resulted in the filing of charges before the appropriate court in Pasig City of the case of qualified human trafficking.