MANILA – The Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 has denied the bail petitions of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and five of his co-accused in connection with qualified human trafficking and sexual abuse charges.

In a 23-page order dated July 20, the court ruled that the prosecution had presented strong evidence linking Quiboloy and co-accused Sylvia Cemañes, Paulene Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, and Ingrid Canada to qualified human trafficking committed by a syndicate.

“At this juncture, the prosecution has sufficiently shown that the evidence of guilt against all the accused is strong on the crimes of qualified human trafficking committed by a syndicate,” the court said. “Thus, given these pieces of evidence against all the accused at this point which establish a great presumption of guilt for purposes of bail, the Court must deny their petition for bail.”

The court clarified, however, that its ruling does not preempt the outcome of the trial.

“It must be emphasized that the Court does not try the merits or enter into an inquiry as to the weight that ought to be given the evidence against the accused, nor will it speculate on the outcome of the trial or on what further evidence may be offered therein,” the court stated.

According to the complaint, the victim and her sister joined the KOJC in 2011 and were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse and forced labor under the group’s so-called “bodily connection ministry.” The complainant claimed they were also required to sell food products under the guise of spiritual duty.

Quiboloy is facing non-bailable charges for qualified human trafficking under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended. He is also facing separate charges for child abuse under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, in a Quezon City court. (PNA)