13-9-2024 (MANILA) Apollo Quiboloy, the controversial founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), and his co-defendants have entered pleas of not guilty to charges of qualified human trafficking. The arraignment took place on Friday morning at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court branch 159, as confirmed by the legal counsel representing one of the alleged victims.
Quiboloy, who styles himself as the “Appointed Son of God”, stands accused alongside four others of trafficking female KOJC members, some as young as 12 years old. The prosecution alleges that these individuals were coerced into selling goods and raising funds for the church, in what amounts to a serious breach of human rights and labour laws.
The case has sent shockwaves through Philippine society, with some former female members coming forward with disturbing accusations against Quiboloy. These women allege that the pastor subjected them to molestation, claiming that such acts were necessary for their salvation and entry into heaven.
This legal proceeding marks a significant development in a case that has captured national attention. Quiboloy and his co-accused only recently surrendered to authorities, turning themselves in last Sunday. This surrender came more than two weeks after police conducted a raid on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Buhangin, Davao City, in an attempt to serve Quiboloy’s arrest warrant.
