Philippines pastor accused of running child sex trafficking ring arrested
What's the story
Apollo Quiboloy, a pastor from the Philippines, has been arrested following a two-week police manhunt. The arrest was confirmed by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos on his official Facebook page. Quiboloy, who is politically connected and also faces charges of human trafficking in a Philippine court, is wanted in the United States for child sex trafficking.
Church background
Quiboloy's church and trafficking charges
Quiboloy, self-proclaimed "Son of God" and ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church in the Philippines. The church claims to have millions of members. In 2021, the United States Justice Department charged Quiboloy with sex trafficking girls and women aged 12 to 25 who were allegedly forced to work as his personal assistants or "pastorals."
Fraudulent activities
Additional charges and arrest operation details
Quiboloy is also accused of cash smuggling and a scheme involving fraudulently obtained visas to bring church members to the US. These members were allegedly forced to solicit donations for a fake charity, with funds being used for church operations and leaders' lavish lifestyles, according to the FBI. Brigadier-General Nicolas Torre confirmed Quiboloy's arrest at a news conference following a massive operation involving 2,000 police officers.
Surrender details
Quiboloy's surrender and detention
During his evasion of justice, Quiboloy demanded a written guarantee from Manila that he would not be subject to "extraordinary rendition" as a condition for his surrender. Philippine police spokesperson Jean Fajardo confirmed that Quiboloy was captured inside the compound. Following his surrender, Quiboloy and four other co-accused were transported by military plane to the capital region and detained at a facility inside the national police headquarters.
Sect response
Sect's reaction to Quiboloy's arrest
Following the announcement of Quiboloy's arrest, SMNI, a Philippine television station run by his sect, posted pictures on its Facebook page showing members embracing uniformed police officers. The post stated: "After all the pains and struggles, it is evident that the KOJC missionaries have embraced Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's teaching to love not only their neighbors but even their enemies."