Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla on Monday, March 4, announced that child abuse and qualified human trafficking cases are set to be filed against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

"Isasalang na ang kaso laban kay Apollo Quiboloy at sa kaniyang mga kasama for child abuse [Republic Act] 7610 at qualified trafficking. Ito ay bunga ng ating naging usapin sa mga nakaraang buwan sapagkat lagi pinag-uusapan ang isyu ng extradition at napag isip-isip ko na marahil tingnan muna natin ang ating sariling bakuran [bago] ang extradition," he told reporters in a press briefing.

JUST IN: Kasong child abuse at qualified human trafficking laban kay Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, ikinasa na ng @dojphofficial | via RH 29 @boy_gonzales pic.twitter.com/wvyW3g2RtA

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 4, 2024

Remulla said the charges which have been pending for four years, shall be filed before the Pasig and Davao City Procecutor's Offices.

According to Remulla, criminal charges must be put forward first before Quiboloy's extradition to the United States.

"Mabuti na magkaroon din ng hustisya ang humihiling ng hustisya kasi napaka-tagal na ito nangyari," he added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, welcomed the DOJ's decision.

"This is a welcome first step towards the victim-survivors cry for justice, peace, and healing," she said in a statement posted on her official Facebook page.

"The Senate will continue with its mandate to investigate, in aid of legislation, the decades-long abuses perpetrated by Quiboloy. We will ensure that these inquiries will result in strengthened laws for our women, our children, and the most vulnerable among us," Hontiveros ended.