The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), under the leadership of Director Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre, formally filed complaints of alleged sedition and inciting to sedition against Atty. Israelito Torreon, legal counsel of detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, and 12 others before the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
The charges are related to statements and activities that the PNP-CIDG claims were aimed at undermining the government and inciting rebellion. While the exact nature of the allegations has yet to be fully detailed, the case is believed to be linked to inflammatory public statements and legal actions initiated by Quiboloy’s camp. Quiboloy, currently facing serious charges in the Philippines and the United States for alleged human trafficking and other crimes, has been the subject of intense legal scrutiny.
Atty. Torreon, a known legal figure representing Quiboloy, has vocally defended his client and criticized the charges against the pastor as politically motivated. Sources suggest that the complaints filed against Torreon and the others may be connected to a perceived campaign to rally support for Quiboloy and to criticize the government’s handling of the case. Public demonstrations and online campaigns have also been cited as part of the alleged efforts to incite dissent.
In response, the PNP-CIDG has vowed to pursue legal action to prevent any form of insurrection. “The law must be upheld, and any attempt to destabilize the government will not be tolerated,” said Police Brigadier General Torre.
As the case progresses, the DOJ is expected to conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with formal charges. Both Atty. Torreon and the other respondents maintain that the accusations are baseless and politically motivated, framing the issue as part of a larger effort to suppress opposition to Quiboloy’s legal battles.
This development is expected to draw further attention to Quiboloy’s ongoing case and his legal team’s defense strategy.
