The camp of controversial televangelist Apollo Quiboloy has filed a motion to be transferred to a hospital in Davao City, his hometown, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday.
Quiboloy, who is currently detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Quezon City, pleaded not guilty to charges of child abuse and sexual exploitation last week. His lawyer argued that the televangelist’s health condition, including hypertension and maintenance medications, requires hospitalization.
However, the PNP prosecutors opposed the request, stating that the General Hospital, which is located near the detention center, can provide adequate medical care. “It defeats the purpose of transferring all of the cases originating from Davao only for them to be sent back there,” said PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo.
Meanwhile, the Senate is also conducting an investigation into Quiboloy’s alleged abuses, and more victims have come forward to testify against him. Senator Risa Hontiveros, who first launched the probe, said on Friday that additional victims were willing to share their experiences with the Senate.
According to Fajardo, these victims, some as young as 12 to 13 years old, were allegedly assured by Quiboloy that they remained “pure” and “intact” because they had sex with “the spirit of God.” Quiboloy also allegedly warned the victims that an “angel of death” will go after them if they break the code of secrecy.