Quiboloy now in hot water
By J.Lo
"We studied the case thoroughly… Quiboloy and his cohorts should be held responsible for the crime complainant, who was 17 years old when it happened, alleged," Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered filing of sexual abuse and qualified trafficking charges against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy.
Order, according to Remulla, reverses 2020 decision of Davao City prosecutor's office to dismiss charges of rape, child abuse and human trafficking against Quiboloy and five others.
Remulla said DOJ granted petition for review, remained pending before DOJ for over four years.
In granting the petition, DOJ directed Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City to file case for violation of Republic Act 7610, or Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically on provision of sexual abuse of minor. It also ordered filing of case for qualified trafficking before Pasig trial court.
Aside from filing of charges, Remulla would also appoint special panel of prosecutors to focus on the case and request Supreme Court to order transfer of these cases to Manila court.
According to the DOJ, the 17-year-old victim alleged a series of abuses that started in 2011 and included rape in September 2014. The minor also alleged emotional and physical mistreatment and forced labor without compensation . all under guise of religious service to the church Quiboloy founded.
Remulla said filing of charges effectively prevents Quiboloy from getting extradited to another country particularly in US where he faces multiple charges of sex and labor trafficking.
"We do not want US to think that we are filing cases to bar extradition…we just thought it better to give justice to the victim here, considering that crime happened over 10 years ago," he explained.
Remulla earlier said Philippines has yet to receive request from US to extradite Quiboloy, who is on Most Wanted List of Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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