Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and televangelist Apollo Quiboloy used the so-called 'Angels of Death' to threaten erring members, according to PLtCol. Gene Licud, officer-in-charge of the Criminal Investigation Detection Group-Regional Field Unit-11.
During the continuation of the Senate Committee on Women and Children into the hearing on the sexual abuse, rape, and other crimes of KOJC, Licud said that members who violate the doctrine, teachings, and KOJC's code of secrecy.
Established in 1990, Licud said that Quiboloy handpicked trusted members with a background in military and security training to compose the so-called angels of death.
"Later on utilized as liquidation team to various KOJC locations nationwide," he said.
Reportedly operating as a secretive, loyal group within the KOJC, capable of inflicting both physical and psychological harm on those who do not comply with Quiboloy's wishes.
"The very name, angels of death, suggest a level of intimidation and power that goes beyond mere spiritual guidance," Licud said.
"The allegations paint a picture of an organization that functions as a private army, a weaponized wing of Quiboloy's church used to coerce and control members particularly vulnerable young women whom Quiboloy has allegedly abused," he added.
Licud also showed a diagram that reinforces the existence of the angels of death, explaining the flow of instructions inside the KOJC. Siblings Ingrid and Cresente Canada are the prominent names listed aside from Quiboloy.
Eduard Masayon, former member of the 2nd Metro Davao Signal Batallion, said that to show loyalty, the group kills people.
"Yung angel of death kasi, iyong mga pumapatay po, lalo na sa mga kasamahan ko na mga worker na napatay na, bale for example ako po, kapag nakitaan ako ng loyalty, talagang gusto kong ipakita yung faithfulness ko sa ministry, sa anak ng Diyos, maaari kong gawin iyon (pumatay) (The so-called angels of death, they're the ones who kill, especially our members and workers, for example if I want to express their loyalty anf faithfulness to the ministry, to the Son of God, I may kill people)," he said.
"Yung angel of death is nabuo iyon doon sa mga against sa kaniya…Papatayin yung mga pamilya nila, kapag lumabas, pag marami silang alam tapos pag lumabas sila, hindi na sila maaaring makakalabas sa ministry, sa poder niya, yung maraming alam po, lalo na sa pastora (This angel of death was formed who are against him...Their families will get killed if they leave leave the ministry. Those who know a lot cannot leave his side)," he added.
For his part, Quiboloy denied allegations as well as the existence regarding the so-called group.
"Yan po ay kasinungalingan at kung iyan ay akusasyon, hinihiling ko ang accuser na mag-file siya ng kaso laban sa akin (That's a lie and if that's an accusation, I ask that the accuser file charges against me)," he told Hontiveros regarding the private army.
When pressed regarding the so-called angels of death, he said: "Imbento po nila iyan eh (That's something they made up)."