Apollo Quiboloy (MANILA BULLETIN)

House Deputy Majority Leader Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, a proud supporter of the welfare and rights of children and women, says the recent arrest of fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is a victory for the latter's alleged victims.

"We should not forget that this issue is not about the perpetrator," Acidre said during a press conference Wednesday, Sept. 11. 

"This is about the victims. It’s about those people who were trafficked, those minors who were sent abroad," he said. 

Quiboloy--leader and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church--is facing charges of child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. 

He is often referred to as the self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" and has many fanatical followers. This made the Philippine National Police (PNP) operation to catch him at the KOJC compound in Davao City a tricky one. 

But after two weeks of operations, law enforcers reports cornered Quiboloy, leaving him with no choice but to surrender. 

“Ako honestly gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa pulisya (I want to thank the police) for doing the hard work, to General [Nicolas] Torre. I really commend them because I know how probably hostile that environment was, but there was no letting down the rule of law,” Acidre said. 

As for the controversial pastor, the neophyte solon said: "Kung si Apollo Quiboloy man ang may sala diyan, nasa korte na ‘yun. Natutuwa po tayo na finally, justice can prevail.” 

(If Apollo Quiboloy is guilty there, then it's in the count's hands. We're happy that finally, justice can prevail.)