DSWD Urges Quiboloy to Face Serious Charges

The Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) has urged Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy to respect the rule of law and surrender peacefully, rather than encourage his followers to resist the arrest warrant issued by a Davao City court.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian calls on Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy to respect the rule of law and face charges of human trafficking and abuse of minors, as tensions rise between law enforcement and Quiboloy's followers in Davao City. | Photo: Rex Gatchalian Facebook

The warrant was issued in connection with charges of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse of minors.

In a statement, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that the department cannot stay silent on such serious allegations.

"These charges are not trivial," Gatchalian said, noting that prosecutors found enough evidence to accuse Quiboloy of severe violations of children's rights.

He stressed that the DSWD is mandated by law to protect those who cannot protect themselves and that it is essential for Quiboloy to confront these allegations head-on. "By refusing to surrender, Quiboloy is only fueling suspicions that he cannot defend himself against these charges in court," Gatchalian added.

The secretary also highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s deep concern for children who have been victims of exploitation and abuse.

The President has publicly condemned any form of child exploitation, particularly when done under the guise of religious or charitable causes.

"It is heartbreaking to see innocent children suffering, their rights trampled upon," Gatchalian said. "Religious leaders, above all, should be moral exemplars and should respect the law."

Gatchalian further called on all public figures to champion justice and defend the vulnerable, rather than aligning themselves with those accused of heinous crimes. "It is particularly painful when leaders downplay these horrific acts," he remarked.

"Behind every case are real children, real mothers, and real families who are suffering." He reaffirmed the DSWD's commitment to standing with the victims and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.

Despite this call for justice, Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte Carpio criticized the police operation as “political harassment,” accusing Brig. Gen. Nicanor Torre of overkill and abuse of power during the raid.

The police continue their search for Quiboloy, who is believed to be hiding within the 30-hectare compound of his religious group, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

Quiboloy, who refers to himself as the “Adopted Son of God” and “Owner of the Universe,” is also wanted in the United States.

He has been placed on the FBI’s most-wanted list following a 2021 indictment by a California district court grand jury for sex trafficking, fraud, coercion, misuse of visas, bulk cash smuggling, and money laundering.

The DSWD stands firm in its commitment to protecting Filipino children and upholding justice. “We call on all leaders to support the judicial processes in place to bring perpetrators to justice,” Gatchalian concluded.