Who is Apollo Quiboloy? Self-proclaimed 'appointed son of God' arrested in Philippines amidst US sex trafficking charges
An influential Filipino pastor, Apollo Quiboloy, was arrested on Sunday, ending a two-week standoff between police and his followers. Quiboloy, who claims to be the "Appointed Son of God," has been wanted in both the Philippines and the US on serious charges including child sex trafficking and human trafficking.
Violent clashes and fatalities
The arrest followed a dramatic raid on Quiboloy's sprawling 30-hectare (75-acre) compound in Davao, operated by his church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
Thousands of Quiboloy's followers clashed with anti-riot police, leading to violent scuffles. Tragically, one church member died of a heart attack during the operation, reported BBC.
Charges and allegations
Quiboloy, who boasts a following of approximately seven million, has denied all allegations against him. In 2021, the US Department of Justice charged him with sex trafficking of children, fraud, coercion, and bulk cash smuggling. According to the FBI, Quiboloy trafficked girls and women from the Philippines to the US for illicit activities, including soliciting money for a fraudulent charity and requiring sexual acts from his female personal assistants, known as “pastorals.”
Political ties and downfall
Quiboloy's rise to prominence came under former President Rodrigo Duterte, who served as his spiritual adviser before stepping down in June 2022. Following Duterte's departure from office, Quiboloy's fortunes took a downturn as Filipino authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
Standoff and surrender
The standoff at the KOJC compound was intense, with police deploying surveillance equipment that reportedly detected heartbeats, leading them to believe Quiboloy was hiding in an underground bunker. The compound includes around 40 buildings, such as a cathedral, school, and hangar. The situation turned the KOJC into what Quiboloy's lawyer described as a "police garrison," with one of their cathedrals reportedly desecrated during the raid, reported BBC.
On Sunday, Quiboloy surrendered peacefully after being given a 24-hour ultimatum, according to Col. Jean Fajardo, the national police spokesperson. His lawyer,
