Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla lauded Monday the Philippine National Police for rescuing alleged human trafficking victims during the implementation of an arrest warrant against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

PNP says 2 possible trafficking victims rescued from Quiboloy compound

In a statement, the Department of Justice noted that the victims are now under the protection of the police after undergoing evaluation and assessment by the Departmet of Social Welfare and Development.

“l also call for a stronger collaboration between and among the DOJ through the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the PNP, and the DSWD to ensure airtight cases against the perpetrators with the end view to delivering justice to their victims,” Remulla said in the statement.

He also urged supposed victims and their families, even KOJC members to come forward as he assured them of their safety and protection.

“Let us continue  fighting this human trafficking menace which hounds society particularly the vulnerable sector,” he said.

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The Police Regional Office in the Davao region  earlier said it had rescued a man and woman who were being barred from leaving the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound.

Both rescued persons are members of the church founded by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking charges before Davao City and Pasay courts.

"May taga-Eastern Samar na parent ng 21 years old, male. Nag-request ng police assistance para ma-rescue ang kanilang anak na nasa loob ng KOJC compound. Gusto na raw nitong umuwi ng Samar," Police Maj. Catherine Dela Rey, PRO 11 spokesperson, said.

(One was a parent of a 21-year-old male. Police requested assistance to rescue the son, who was supposedly not being allowed to leave. The son wants to go home to Samar)

Dela Rey said another person, from Midsayap in Cotabato, who requested similar assistance for their mother, who was not being allowed to leave the compound. 

However, the legal counsel of the KOJC, Atty. Israelito Torreon, denied that there were trafficked victims inside the compound.

"The police allegedly rescued one member for violation of anti-human trafficking law. That is not true. That should have been presented before you," he said.