A member of the House of Representatives expressed alarm and concern over the rescue of two alleged victims of human trafficking during the police raid in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound recently, suspecting that the group might be 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,” Almario said in a press release from the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez Aug. 26.
He also sought for a congressional investigation on the matter.
Law enforcement operatives raided the KOJC compound Aug. 24 to serve a warrant for Quiboloy, who is facing charges under 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 under Section 4(a) of RA 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended.
Almario encouraged Quiboloy and those harboring him to surrender to authorities and face the charges leveled against him.
“I feel for the family of the victims and the victims themselves. 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,” Almario added. ||
