The Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted the Petition for Review filed by a former member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name (KJC), who accused Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy and others of rape, qualified human trafficking, and child abuse. The DOJ reversed the Joint Resolution issued by the Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City on 29 June 2020, which dismissed the complaints for lack of evidence.
The complainant-appellant claimed that she suffered various forms of abuse, including rape in September 2014 when she was still a minor, emotional and physical violence, and unpaid labor, while serving as a follower of Quiboloy at KJC. She did not give up on her legal fight despite the rejection of her initial complaints and her Motion for Reconsideration.
The DOJ found probable cause to charge Quiboloy with sexual abuse of a minor, under Section 5(b) of the Republic Act No. 7610, and Quiboloy and his co-respondents with qualified human trafficking and other acts of child abuse.
DOJ Secretary Remulla expressed his resolve, saying, “This petition for review has been pending for four years. Our main goal is to deliver justice in the Philippines, based on the evidence and the laws of our country.”
He also confirmed that an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) was issued against Quiboloy on 27 February 2024, to prevent him from escaping the country.
The decision reaffirms the commitment to protect the rights and welfare of minors from abuse and exploitation. The Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City is ordered to file the corresponding charges in court against the respondents.
“This case is a major step in addressing and correcting the injustices endured by the vulnerable sectors of our society, especially children, and strengthening the legal system that safeguards them from abuse and exploitation” Remulla added.
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