Arlene Stone, a former member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and now a U.S. citizen, has shared her experiences of alleged victimization within Apollo Quiboloy’s religious group.
In an exclusive interview during Dos Por Dos on Thursday, Stone explained that when she was involved in the group, she didn’t realize she was part of what later became known as the "pastoral" group. The term used at that time was the "inner and innermost circle." However, Stone clarified that she never had any romantic or physical relationship with Quiboloy.
"Yung term na pastoral before nung time ko ay nag evolve 'yan over time. Nong time ko mayroong inner at innermost circle pero mula noong umalis ako binago daw yan ni Quiboloy noong 2015 na ang lahat ng tinatawag na pastoral sila yung may physical relationship with Quiboloy. Hindi na po ako belong doon according to that description," said Stone.
Stone joined KOJC in 1991 at the age of 15, starting as a worker and eventually becoming a full-time member. Over time, her connection to the group became inconsistent due to financial difficulties, leading to her inability to meet KOJC’s required contributions.
"I would blame myself, siguro sa hindi narin nag-iisip in a blatant statement na yung katangahan na rin ay bumalik ako noong nandito na ako sa Amerika as member, naging active ako ulit kay Quiboloy but pinaalis ako ulit noong 2013," she stated.
Stone described how she reconnected with the group after moving to the U.S. in 2004 but was later dismissed in 2013 after failing to meet financial obligations. She also recounted receiving a “disconnection notice,” likening it to how a utility company like Meralco would cut off service.
Stone further alleged that KOJC wanted to use her U.S. citizenship to help its ministers obtain legal status in America.
"Tayo po ay gusto nilang gamitin yung mga papeles dito para yung kanilang ministers ay magkaroon ng American status dito sa US," she noted.
"I realize later on na it's illegal," she added.
She also revealed details about the financial pressure placed on members, including "pledges" ranging from $1,800 to $2,500 a month. These pledges were collected for various events like Quiboloy’s birthday and church anniversaries, with any missed payments rolling over as debts for the following month.
"Dumating yung time na yung pledges ko hindi ko na naibigay consistently kasi dumating po yung time na nagkaroon ako ng pangalawang anak at yung nanay ko na penetisyunan ko ay nagkasakit po dito sa US so hindi po naging regular yung aking pagtatrabaho," said Stone.
Stone added that if she was able to pay her full pledges, she would be able to come back to the religious group but should undergo a "rehabilitation process" which also has a fee.
"Depende rin 'yung rehabilitation kung magkano, sila din ang magbibigay ng presyo non," she noted.
Seeking assistance from the Senate
In 2023, Stone sought assistance from the Philippine Senate after observing the investigation into the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI), another cult-like group.
While she initially reached out to several senators via Facebook, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, was the only one who responded.
Stone shared that she filed a case against Quiboloy in the U.S., but the process has been slow. She is hoping that her cooperation with the Philippine Senate will help expedite justice.
"Medyo natagalan po tayo sa process ng justice dito sa US kasi nailabas na yung extradition, nailabas na yung indictment, nailabas na 'yung mga asset ni Quiboloy pero mag-aantay pa tayo ng extradition," Stone explained.
Stone on Quiboloy's 'human trafficking' scheme
Stone also accused KOJC of involvement in human trafficking, claiming that despite Quiboloy’s assertion of having eight million members worldwide, there are only about 7,000 to 8,000 members, based on information she received from an international member of the group.
"Sinasabi ni Quiboloy 8 million sila pero wala naman silang data," said Stone, adding that the religious group forced members to work and solicit money.
Stone recalled that when she was 15 years old, she was sent to Davao to help saturate Mindanao with sales of 'puto' and 'kutsinta.' The effort eventually expanded to Manila and other regions of the country, and members were even dispatched to other countries, particularly the United States, not to sell but to solicit money from people.
"Dumating yung time na hindi na pagtitinda kundi pagso-solicit na. Mayroon silang kunwari organization na tutulong sa mga kababayan natin like 'The Children's Joy Foundation' which was not actually received by the organization but by Quiboloy alone."
According to Stone, there are nearly 200 victims who have testified against KOJC, and she is speaking out on their behalf.
"The reason kaya ako nagsasalita because of Justice kasi alam ko ang pang-aabuso na ginagawa ng organization na ito sa mga kababaihan at hindi lang sa mga kababaihan even the opposite sex," said Stone.
"Yung physical abuse, tapos tinotorture emotionally pagdating sa ating mga kabtaan talagang niyuyurakan yung dignity ng mga kabataan," she added.
Currently, Quiboloy is detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City, facing human trafficking and child exploitation charges to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The self-proclaimed "appointed son of God" is also indicted in the U.S. on conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, but his camp continues to deny all allegations against him.
