IACAT assures prosecution of human trafficking perpetrators at KOJC
The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) on Monday, Aug. 26, assured it will work on airtight cases against those behind human trafficking activities at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, IACAT chairman, made the assurance following the law enforcement's rescue on Sunday, Aug. 25, of two human trafficking victims from the KOJC compound.
The IACAT said that while serving arrest warrants against KOJC founder Apollo C. Quiboloy, policemen rescued a 21-year-old man from Samar and a female from Midsayap, Cotabato, both of whom claimed that they were being prevented to leave.
“The rescued victims are now under the protection of the police after having been assessed and processed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in accordance with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR),” the council said.
It also said that the DOJ, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the DSWD are coordinating closely “to provide comprehensive support to the alleged victims and to assist in the case build-up.”
“If and when the facts are verified and there is indeed a case for human trafficking, prosecution shall ensue,” it assured..
Remulla said he has asked “for a stronger collaboration between and among the DOJ through the IACAT), the PNP and the DSWD to ensure airtight cases against the perpetrators with the end view to delivering justice to their victims.”
“Let us continue fighting this human trafficking menace which hounds society particularly the vulnerable sector,” he stated.
He urged other human trafficking victims, their families, and KOJC members to come forward as he assured them of their safety and protection.
“Given that this is not the first time that such information has reached the IACAT about alleged human trafficking within the religious organization, IACAT strongly encourages any other victims or their relatives to come forward,” the IACAT said.
“We also call on the members of the KOJC to cooperate fully in the ongoing efforts to implement the warrant of arrest and rescue other potential victims,” it also said.
At the same time, IACAT called on “all law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to continue their search for potential victims of trafficking, always upholding the law and respecting human rights.”