Victims recount how Quiboloy used faith, good will to brainwash, exploit

MANILA, Philippines — While some anticipated a fiery clash between opposition lawmaker Sen. Risa Hontiveros and preacher Apollo Quiboloy, it was the victims who took center stage in the long-awaited Senate probe into the latter’s alleged crimes.

Quiboloy evaded authorities for several months after the Senate issued an arrest warrant. Following a two-week standoff at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, Quiboloy surrendered to police forces.

However, the investigation into Quiboloy’s evasion received little attention. Hontiveros emphasized in her opening statement that the hearing was dedicated to the alleged victims.

"Mr. Quiboloy, your victims will confront who they believe to be their abuser," Hontiveros said.

Instead of heated debates, the Senate hearing was marked by somber stories of regret and confusion.

Jocelyn Mondejar, a former ministry member, was forced to leave after developing an ulcer, allegedly due to enduring KOJC’s dry fasting punishments for seven days.

Her children were later invited to join KOJC’s youth ministry camp. To her dismay, her 13-year-old child was taken to a “glass house” without her knowledge. After three days, Mondejar managed to contact her child by phone.

To Mondejar’s shock, her child expressed a desire to stop studying:

“Mama, ‘di na ako mag-aaral kasi babalik na ang Panginoon tapos si Pastor Quiboloy ma-glorify na,” Mondejar recounted.

(Mama, I will not study anymore because God will return and Pastor Quiboloy will be glorified.)

Mondejar was bewildered by her child’s sudden urge to drop out. Her child insisted on becoming an otap (biscuit) vendor to reach a “seventh heaven.”

Mondejar tearfully recounted how her child told her she did not own their life and was merely a vessel of God, while Quiboloy claimed ownership. She suspected someone was whispering things to her child.

The KOJC allegedly faked her child’s studies, Mondejar claimed. With help from a former teacher, she discovered her child was not enrolled in any school.

It wasn’t until Mondejar threatened to involve the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education that her child was returned.

Quiboloy allegedly had