The Philippines has announced the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, a pastor sought in the United States on charges of child sex trafficking. Quiboloy, who claims to be the “Appointed Son of God” and has ties with former President Rodrigo Duterte, was apprehended two weeks after a major police manhunt.
Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), a prominent church based in the Philippines, faces serious allegations from the US Justice Department. In 2021, he was charged with trafficking girls and women aged 12 to 25, who were allegedly coerced into sexual activities under the guise of being personal assistants or “pastorals.”
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos confirmed Quiboloy’s arrest via Facebook, stating that the pastor is also wanted for cash smuggling and a scheme involving fraudulent visas. The visas were reportedly used to bring church members to the US, where they were then forced to solicit donations for a fake charity. The funds raised were allegedly diverted to support the church’s operations and the luxurious lifestyles of its leaders.
It is unclear whether the US has formally requested extradition for Quiboloy, who is believed to be at least 74 years old. A spokesperson from the US embassy has directed inquiries to Philippine authorities.
In addition to US charges, Quiboloy faces human trafficking charges in the Philippines. Brigadier-General Nicolas Torre, who led the manhunt, confirmed the arrest but did not provide further details. Torre described the arrest as the result of a “concerted effort” by law enforcement.
Quiboloy had previously demanded assurances from Manila to avoid “extraordinary rendition”—a practice where the US sends detainees to other countries for detention and interrogation—before he would surrender.
On August 24, around 2,000 police officers were deployed to the KOJC headquarters in Davao City to execute an arrest warrant against Quiboloy. The raid was met with criticism from Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, who had a strained relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos.
Following Quiboloy’s arrest, SMNI, a Philippine television station affiliated with his sect, shared images on Facebook of members warmly interacting with police officers, accompanied by a message highlighting the teachings of Quiboloy’s church.
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