Lawmaker alarmed trafficking victims rescued in KOJC raid

A member of the Young Guns of the House of Representatives on Monday expressed alarm and concern over the rescue of two alleged victims of human trafficking during the police raid of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound, suspecting that the group might be allegedly harboring criminals and keeping more victims.

Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario has asked the police to thoroughly investigate the cases of the two victims of human trafficking and see if other people are being held against their will or if there are other related concerns allegedly happening within the confines of the KOJC compound.

“We are alarmed at the fact then when a valid warrant of arrest for Apollo Quiboloy was enforced at the KOJC compound, they found alleged victims of human trafficking. This is a clear-cut sign that there is irrefutable basis for the accusations being brought forth against him. Ibig bang sabihin nito na patuloy na nangyayari ang krimen na ibinibintang kay Mr. Quiboloy?” Almario asked as he sought a congressional investigation on the matter.

Law enforcement operatives raided the KOJC compound on Aug. 24 to serve a warrant for Quiboloy, who is facing charges under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

He was also charged with a non-bailable offense of qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended.

Almario encouraged Quiboloy and those harboring him to surrender to authorities and face the charges leveled against him.

“Itong sinasabing bagong trafficking victims umano, sinu-sino na ang mga kakasuhan dito? The police should quickly make the case against the two individuals’ captors, kung ito ba ay sa utos pa rin ng mga masterminds na kinasuhan na o may bagong mga utak sa likod nito,” he inquired.

“I feel for the family of the victims and the victims themselves. Mahirap mawalay sa pamilya na hindi sigurado kung makakauwi pa ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Kaya dapat maparusahan ang responsable sa krimeng ito. Hindi lang dapat ulo ang hinanap natin. There are accomplices in this crime, and it is the PNP’s duty to uncover all involved. Baka may mga empleyado or kaya mga management officials or administrators na may alam o kaya ay kasama sa paggawa ng mga krimeng ito? Kailangan maiging tingnan ito ng PNP,” Almario added.