MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — In a dramatic turn of events, Apollo Quiboloy, the self-styled “Appointed Son of God” and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church, was arrested by Philippine authorities following a comprehensive police manhunt. Quiboloy, who has close ties with former president Rodrigo Duterte, faces charges from the US Justice Department for the sex trafficking of girls and women aged 12 to 25.
Quiboloy had been eluding capture for two weeks when his peaceful surrender was negotiated through discussions between his representatives and law enforcement personnel. Philippine police spokeswoman Colonel Jean Fajardo confirmed that Quiboloy and four other sect members were apprehended at the KOJC compound in Davao. They were subsequently transported by military aircraft to Manila, where they will be held accountable for charges including “child abuse, sexual abuse, and qualified human trafficking.”
The arrest was publicly announced by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos on his official Facebook page, solidifying the culmination of a coordinated law enforcement effort. This significant development was also confirmed by Brigadier-General Nicolas Torre, the regional police chief who spearheaded the manhunt.
The US Justice Department initially charged Quiboloy in 2021, alleging that he orchestrated a disturbing scheme that coerced young girls and women into working as “pastorals,” with purported obligations to engage in sexual activities with him. Additionally, Quiboloy is sought by US authorities for his involvement in bulk cash smuggling and a fraudulent visa scheme that entailed trafficking church members to the United States under false pretenses. These individuals were then forced to raise funds for a fictitious charity, with the money being diverted to sustain the lavish lifestyles of Quiboloy and other church leaders.
The United States has not yet disclosed if it has formally requested Quiboloy’s extradition. A spokesman for the US Embassy deferred all queries to Philippine authorities.
During the extended search for Quiboloy, tensions ran high. The arrest warrant execution at the KOJC’s 30-hectare property in Davao on August 24 was met with criticism from incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. They condemned the police action, labeling it an overreach and inappropriate use of power. Vice President Duterte also expressed regret to KOJC members for having advocated for President Ferdinand Marcos’s election, stating they “deserve better.”
In a surprising gesture of goodwill, shortly after Quiboloy’s arrest, the Philippine television station run by his sect, SMNI, shared images of sect members warmly embracing uniformed police officers. Accompanying the photographs was a message reflecting the sect’s philosophy of love and forgiveness, even towards their adversaries.
As Quiboloy faces severe allegations and prepares for trial, the international community watches closely, awaiting the outcomes that will follow this high-profile arrest. This pivotal moment underscores the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of disturbing accusations and enlightens the ongoing battle against human trafficking and abuse.
