TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children and women while commending the recent arrest of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy as a victory for his victims and a significant achievement for Philippine law enforcement.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Sept.11, Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre praised the police for their work in apprehending Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), who is facing multiple legal cases.
Acidre expressed gratitude for the efforts of the authorities, particularly General Torre, despite the potentially hostile environment.
“I really commend them because I know how challenging the situation was, but they upheld the rule of law,” Acidre said, as he emphasized that the arrest of Quiboloy is not just about the high-profile figure, but about justice for the victims of human trafficking and abuse.
“While some may focus on Pastor Quiboloy, we in Tingog party-list are deeply committed to the issues of child welfare and human trafficking,” Acidre stated. “This is about the victims—the people who were trafficked, the minors sent abroad and forced into marriages, and those affected by the crimes that occurred.”
Quiboloy’s arrest followed a 16-day manhunt that culminated at the KOJC compound in Davao City, where he and other suspects were taken into custody last Sep.8. The preacher has long faced accusations related to exploitation and abuse within his church.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
