Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. ABS-CBN News File

(UPDATED) The Department of Justice has ordered the filing of sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse and qualified human trafficking charges against Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

Quiboloy claims US-Marcos conspiracy against him

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the decision came after a review of the dismissal of rape, child abuse and human trafficking complaint filed against Quiboloy and five others by the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office in 2020. 

The charges will be filed before the Pasig City and Davao City regional trial courts.

“Mahirap magsalita tungkol sa mga nangyari, pero alam naman natin na mahirap magdemanda sa isang lugar kung saan malakas ang kapangyarihan ng taong binabanggaa at mababangga, matatamaan,” Remulla said.

Remulla added that they will eventually ask the Supreme Court to order the transfer of the cases from Davao to Metro Manila.

The alleged sexual abuse and other crimes happened in 2014 and the charges were filed at the prosecutor’s office in 2019. 

Quiboloy, 2 others in related cases placed on FBI’s most wanted list

“Dinismiss ito ng Office of the City Prosecutor ng Davao at sa masusing pag-aaral, nakita natin talaga na mabigat ang basehan para ibigay at ilagay sa tama itong bagay na ito,” Remulla said.

Remulla added there is already an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against Quiboloy.

The Senate, which is conducting an investigation on alleged abuses by Quiboloy led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, had asked for the ILBO to be issued.

“Napirmahan ko na rin 'yun. 'Yun ang mauuna sa lahat, pati 'yung preliminary hold departure order,” Remulla said.

Asked about the present location of Quiboloy, Remulla said he is still in the Philippines.

The justice secretary said the charges were also fast-tracked amid criticisms that the Philippine government is taking a soft stance against Quiboloy while the United States has already included the religious leader in the Most Wanted List of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Ang problema kasi dito pag nagkaroon ng extradition at saka natin ipafile yung kaso, baka sabihin nila ay hinaharang 'yung extradition. Mabuti nang magkaroon din ng hustisya yung humihingi ng hustisya sapagkat napakatagal na panahon na itong nangyari,” Remulla said.