Senate probe on Quiboloy's alleged human trafficking activities, sexual abuse set Oct. 23

The Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality will resume the investigation into the human trafficking and sexual abuse cases within Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's religious organization on October 23.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the panel, said the hearing will start at 10 a.m.

"Higit kalahating taon mula nung kami'y nag-suspend... May ilan po sa mga victim survivors na nakapag-testigo na haharap at may mga bago pa kaming mga victim survivors na hahabulin din ang kahit kapirasong hustisya," Hontiveros said at a press conference.

(More than half of the year since we suspended the hearing. There were some victim survivors who already testified and there are new victim survivors who want to seek justice.)

Like in the case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, Hontiveros said they will seek the permission from the court to ensure Quiboloy's attendance in the upcoming hearing.

In March, the Senate issued an arrest order against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy for "unduly refusing to appear, despite due notices" at the hearings of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

Quiboloy fell into government's hands on September 8, but the religious leader's camp said he turned himself in to the Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines. He has since been detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.

The KOJC leader earlier said he will not submit himself to the Senate inquiry into the allegations of sexual abuse made by former members of his religious organization against him.

Quiboloy said he would only face the allegations against him before the courts.

Among the cases Quiboloy is facing include alleged violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and qualified human trafficking charges.

Some of his accusers are former KOJC members.

Quiboloy is also facing charges of alleged conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling charges in the United States. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News