Quiboloy pleads not guilty to human trafficking raps

MANILA, Philippines —  Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and five co-accused pleaded not guilty to charges of qualified human trafficking and child abuse before the Pasig City and Quezon City courts yesterday.

Quiboloy – who calls himself the “appointed son of God” – entered a not guilty plea before the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159 in the morning along with his co-accused Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Sylvia Cemanes and Pauleen Canada.

“He pleaded not guilty because he is innocent, that’s all,” said Israelito Torreon, Quiboloy’s lawyer. “We will not make any statement because the case is already in court.”

Security was tight during their arraignment. Philippine National Police (PNP) public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed that the accused pleaded not guilty.

“All the accused entered the not guilty plea to two counts of qualified human trafficking,” she said at a press briefing.

Fajardo said one of the complainants in the case against Quiboloy in the Pasig City RTC, identified only as “Minor AAA,” was in the courtroom during the arraignment.

In the afternoon, Quiboloy and the others again entered a plea of not guilty to charges of child abuse before Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 106 through video conferencing.

After their arraignment in Pasig City, Fajardo said Quiboloy’s lawyers filed a motion for him and Ingrid to be placed under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Davao City, citing their existing medical condition.

Their counsels manifested that the two were having a hard time at  the PNP Custodial Center, especially in addressing their medical needs.

Fajardo said Quiboloy is taking maintenance medicines for an unspecified ailment.

Prosecutors objected to the religious sect leader’s request.

“It defeats the purpose of having him transferred from Davao – only to send him back there,” Fajardo said. She said the PNP has its own hospital which can address Quiboloy’s medical needs.

Fajardo said the judge ordered the PNP to have Quiboloy checked by government doctors while Ingrid’s motion was junked.

The court then issued an order transferring Quiboloy’s co-accused to the