A significant development unfolded in the legal saga surrounding Apollo Quiboloy, the prominent leader of a pro-Duterte cult known as the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), as Judge Dante Baguio of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 in the Davao region issued an arrest warrant against him and five of his associates.

The court order, issued on March 14, stems from a thorough examination of the information and evidence presented, concluding that probable cause exists for the issuance of the warrant.

Quiboloy’s associates named in the warrant include Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes.

This legal development follows a series of events that have drawn attention to allegations of human rights abuses within the KOJC.

Earlier in March, the Senate ordered Quiboloy’s arrest for failing to appear at an inquiry into these alleged abuses led by the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, chaired by Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros.

The committee’s hearings, initiated in January, have been fueled by testimonies from former members of the KOJC, detailing allegations of large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, violence, and child abuse.

Notably, testimonies from former members, including two Ukrainian women, have accused Quiboloy of sexual abuse under the guise of religious practices. These allegations echo similar claims made against Quiboloy by former KOJC members in the United States.

The legal woes for Quiboloy extend beyond Philippine borders, as he and eight associates were indicted by a federal grand jury in a US District Court in California in 2021.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has listed Quiboloy on its most wanted list, citing his alleged involvement in a labor trafficking scheme that exploited church members for financial gain.

Senator Hontiveros, who has been leading the Senate inquiry, welcomed the issuance of the arrest warrant and expressed hope for Quiboloy’s apprehension before the next committee hearing.

She urged Quiboloy to face the accusations against him and comply with legal proceedings, emphasizing that innocence does not require evasion.

“Bilang na ang masasayang araw ni Apollo Quiboloy. Halos lahat na ng institusyon sa Pilipinas ay gumagalaw para mapanagot siya,” said Hontiveros, highlighting the concerted efforts to hold Quiboloy accountable.