Judge denies Quiboloy bail in qualified trafficking cases
A Pasig court has denied televangelist Apollo Quiboloy’s bid for temporary liberty in the qualified trafficking cases against him, citing his role as the “central figure of authority” who subjected to sexual exploitation a minor who was a member of his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious sect.
“At this juncture, the prosecution has sufficiently shown that the evidence of guilt against all the accused is strong on the two crimes of qualified human trafficking committed by a syndicate,” said acting presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa of the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159.
The 23-page order dated July 20 denied Quiboloy’s petition for bail, as well as those of his coaccused Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada and Sylvia Cemanes. The six are charged with qualified trafficking human trafficking specifically for sexual abuse and labor exploitation.
“The prosecution has shown, at this time, that the private complainant was recruited through deception and false promises. She was promised free education, allowances, and the opportunity to appear on television and travel abroad, all under the pretense of serving in a religious organization,” the court said.
Quiboloy, in particular, was identified as the “central figure with the actions of the other accused carried out for his benefit and exaltation, all under the illusion of spiritual service and divine mission.”
The court noted the most significant act in the case was that the victim was forced to engage in a “bodily connection ministry,” a practice that involved massaging Quiboloy and being sexually abused by him.
The judge, however, emphasized that her order resolved only the petitions for bail filed by all the accused and would not determine the ultimate outcome of the pending cases.
“There remains a long process ahead, and both parties have the opportunity to present further evidence,” Estacio-Montesa said.
In seeking bail, Quiboloy argued that the complaint against him failed to establish “strong guilt” that he committed the crimes he is accused of.
Earlier this year, the same trial court denied his motion to be placed under house arrest. Quiboloy, who is currently detained in the Pasig City Jail, has been charged with abuse and human trafficking in the Quezon City and Pasig City courts, respectively.
On top of these, he also faces criminal charges in the United States, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; sex trafficking of children; and sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling.
