Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, categorically denied the existence of a private army known as the “Angels of Death” during a Senate committee hearing on Wednesday. The denial came after Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate committee on women, questioned Quiboloy on whether he had such a group under his command.
“Those are lies, and if those are accusations, I wish that the accuser would file a case against me,” Quiboloy stated in an Inquirer.net report, refuting the allegations. He further added that the claims about the “Angels of Death” were mere fabrications.
The hearing also heard testimony from former KJC member Eduard Masayon, who alleged that Quiboloy maintained a private army, comprised of members from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Metro Davao Signal Battalion, many of whom were also part of the KJC.
Sen. Hontiveros pressed Quiboloy further, asking if the “Angels of Death” had any ties to the vigilante group known as the Duterte Death Squad (DDS), linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte, a close friend of Quiboloy. Quiboloy invoked his right to remain silent on the matter, stating he had no personal knowledge of any connection.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo had previously revealed that the “Angels of Death” were reportedly involved in the harassment of sexual abuse victims, allegations Quiboloy has also denied.
Quiboloy, along with four others, was arrested on September 8 and has been detained at the PNP Custodial Center. His co-accused, including Jackielyn Roy and Ingrid Canada, are being held at Pasig City Jail.