Apollo Quiboloy is followed by millions of people in the Philippines
Influential pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “owner of the universe” and “designated son of God” wanted in the US for child sex trafficking, was arrested in the Philippines on Sunday.
More than 2,000 police officers were deployed for more than two weeks to search a 74-hectare compound in the southern city of Davao owned by his church – the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) – on suspicion of his hiding in a bunker.
Quiboloy's followers had blocked the gates of the complex to prevent shield-bearing police from executing a court order to arrest him. Police also used helicopters to circle over a cathedral, a college and a 75,000-seat stadium.
Days before Quiboloy's arrest, police reportedly used thermal imaging and radar technology to record the heat and heartbeat of a human body deep in the earth.
Apollo Quiboloy accused of sex crimes
Apollo Quiboloy, a longtime friend of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, is wanted on charges of child molestation and sexual abuse and related human trafficking charges. He is also on the FBI's “most wanted” list on charges of sex trafficking.
Quiboloy was charged in 2021 by the U.S. Department of Justice with sex trafficking girls and women between the ages of 12 and 25. They were allegedly employed as personal assistants, or “pastorals,” and were expected to have sex with him.
He is also wanted by authorities for big money smuggling and a scheme to bring church members into the United States using fraudulently obtained visas. They were then forced to solicit donations for a fake charity, raising funds that were instead used to finance church activities and the extravagant lifestyles of its leaders.
The evangelical preacher, who is followed by millions in the Philippines, denies any wrongdoing.
(With input from the agency)
