Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a controversial figure who has self-styled himself as the “owner of the universe” and “appointed son of God,” was arrested in the Philippines on Sunday. Quiboloy, who has been evading authorities, faces serious charges including child sex trafficking.
Over 2,000 police officers were involved in a prolonged search of Quiboloy’s 74-acre compound in Davao City, owned by his church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). The extensive search, which lasted more than two weeks, was prompted by suspicions that Quiboloy was hiding in a bunker on the property. His followers had blocked the compound’s gates to obstruct the police’s efforts to enforce an arrest order. Additionally, police utilized helicopters to monitor key locations, including a cathedral, a college, and a large stadium.
Prior to his arrest, police used thermal imaging and radar technology to detect a human body’s warmth deep underground, indicating the complexity of their search efforts.
Quiboloy, a close associate of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, is wanted by the FBI and US Justice Department on charges related to sex trafficking, child abuse, and human trafficking. He is accused of trafficking girls and young women to work as personal assistants, or “pastorals,” who were allegedly coerced into sexual activities with him. Quiboloy also faces charges of bulk cash smuggling and visa fraud related to a scheme that exploited church members to raise funds under false pretenses for church operations and personal luxuries.
Despite the allegations, Quiboloy, who has a large following in the Philippines, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.