Apollo Quiboloy: Minors Raped, Women Trafficked: The Murky World Of "Appointed Son Of God"

Late on Sunday in the southern Philippines, police arrested Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" and pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church, after an extensive manhunt spanning more than two weeks. The manhunt for Quiboloy - an evangelist with global reach, close ties to former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, and millions of followers across the world -culminated in his surrender to local police. 

The 74-year-old Quiboloy now faces charges of child sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and human trafficking that stem from a US indictment in 2021. 

Born in the southern Philippines, Apollo Carreon Quiboloy is no ordinary preacher. He founded KOJC in 1985, a fringe religious organisation that grew exponentially, drawing millions of adherents across the Philippines and more than 200 countries. According to the New York Times, KOJC, which blends elements of Pentecostal Christianity with Quiboloy's self-declared divine status, quickly became a dominant force in the Philippines.

Known as a "spiritual adviser" to former President Rodrigo Duterte, Quiboloy wielded immense influence over local and national politicians. His ability to deliver large voting blocs earned him a reputation as a spiritual kingmaker. Many saw his support as essential for winning elections, especially in Davao City, where he maintained a sprawling 75-acre compound called "New Jerusalem."

However, Quiboloy's spiritual kingdom hid a much darker reality, according to US and Philippine law enforcement agencies. His influence wasn't just political but allegedly included the systematic abuse and exploitation of vulnerable women and children, who were coerced into lives of servitude under the guise of faith.

In 2021, Quiboloy was indicted by the US on charges of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, conspiracy, and forced labour. Quiboloy's alleged victims, some as young as 12, were recruited as "pastoral" -personal assistants who were expected to provide for his every need, including sexual favours. Referred to as "night duty," these sexual encounters were coerced under threat of spiritual and eternal damnation, according to US prosecutors. The indictment claimed that young