Senate deputy minority leader Senator Risa Hontiveros on Sunday, September 8 welcomed the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and embroiled in allegations of human trafficking, and sexual abuse.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos confirmed that Quiboloy was caught at 6 p.m. inside the KOJC compound in Davao City, ending a two-week stand-off.
“Mananagot ka, Apollo Quiboloy. You cannot outrun the law. You will not further delay justice,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“Abot kamay na ng mga victim-survivors ang hustisya, salamat sa kanilang paglalakas-loob na magsabi ng katotohanan (Justice is now within reach of the victim-survivors, thanks to their courage to tell the truth),” she said.
At the same time, Hontiveros thanked authorities for exhausting all means to arrest Quiboloy.
“We commend our law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts and dedication, despite Quiboloy's tactics,” she said.
She also said the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, which she heads, will continue its ongoing investigation into the alleged human trafficking activities, as well as the sexual crimes he committed as leader and founder of the KOJC.
“Magpapatuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Senado para matuldukan ang sistematikong pang-aabuso sa mga pinakabulnerable sa lipunan.
“Bilang na ang araw ng tulad nilang naghahari-harian, nambabastos sa batas, at nang-aabuso sa kababaihan, kabataan, at kapwa nating Pilipino (The days of people like them ruling, defying the law, and abusing women, youth, and our fellow Filipinos are numbered),” she said.