DAVAO CITY – The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) refuted on Wednesday, September 18, the presence of the “Angels of Death” within its premises and called the claim made by the Philippine National Police’s accusations as absurd.
APOLLO Quiboloy (left) is escorted as Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos (right) looks on during a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday, September 9. (AP)
Speaking at Pulso ng Bayan aired over the DZAR 1026 News, KOJC legal counsel Israelito Torreon said there are no Angels of Death and the accusation was part of the attacks against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
“The allegations are nothing but another attempt to smear the congregation. They are laying the groundwork for future fabricated charges – perhaps even murder or other similar accusations – based on these concocted stories,” Torreon said.
He said that the KOJC only has an army of “prayer warriors” who constantly pray to the Almighty. He said their faith sustains them, even in times of persecution, much like the trials faced by early Christians or even the struggles of other religious groups.
“We’re forced to respond with the recent accusation because if we do not do it, the people might think that we’re guilty of the new charges against Pastor Quiboloy. This is just part of the attacks against his good name,” Torreon said.
Torreon said the KOJC should have utilized the Angels of Death during the siege with the PNP if they were real.
He urged victims to check their conscience and ensure their claims are valid and not for personal gain.
Five former KOJC members recently appeared before the PNP to report that they were sexually molested by Quiboloy, who is facing a case of child abuse before a Quezon City court and human trafficking before the Pasig City court.
Quiboloy is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States for various cases that include conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
In his Facebook account, Torreon posted and reiterated that the allegations made by the victims are baseless and false. He emphasized that there is no truth to the claims.
“Don’t trade your integrity for money. It would be a grave injustice to yourself and others. Those who manipulate you for selfish and corrupt purposes will abandon you once you no longer serve their interests,” Torreon said.
Torreon advised them to stand by their claims until the end. He said they would take legal action and file appropriate criminal charges against those who tarnished Quiboloy's reputation and the entire Kingdom Nation.
He said the accusations of abuse, sexual misconduct, child abuse, and other similar complaints are nothing more than political attacks and malicious propaganda. He added that they would face the accusations head-on and without fear, citing the 1987 Constitution.
“We also gently remind the public not to rush to conclusions. Remain critical of the information you read online and the propaganda fed to you. The fact remains that my client is innocent until he is proven otherwise,” Torreon said.
He said the burden of proof rests with the prosecution, who must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. He added that Quiboloy's innocence and the other accused's will be proven in the proper legal arena, where the truth will prevail.
Torreon said they are hoping that the public would not easily believe baseless statements and accusations against the religious leader. He added the KOJC, the Name Above All Names, is a community built on peace, love, and faith.