FBI Nabs Pastor Wanted for Sex Trafficking in Philippines

Apollo Quiboloy

Pastor Arrested in Sex Trafficking Sting

According to the FBI, Quiboloy also coerced his female personal assistants, known as...

Filipino pastor Apollo Quiboloy, wanted for child sex trafficking, has been arrested after a two-week standoff with police. Quiboloy, who claims to be the 'Appointed Son of God,' faces serious charges in the Philippines and the US.

A prominent Filipino pastor, Apollo Quiboloy, wanted for child sex trafficking in the Philippines and the US, has been taken into custody after a two-week standoff between police and his followers. Quiboloy, who claims to be the “Appointed Son of God,” was arrested during a raid on his church compound.

The operation to apprehend Quiboloy turned violent as thousands of his followers clashed with anti-riot police officers. The chaotic scene resulted in the death of one church member, who suffered a heart attack during the raid. Despite the turmoil, authorities successfully detained Quiboloy.

Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) boasts seven million followers, but its leader faces serious charges. Quiboloy has vehemently denied all allegations, including child sex trafficking, and is expected to face legal proceedings in the Philippines and the US.

In 2021, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) filed charges against Apollo Quiboloy for sex trafficking of children, fraud, coercion, and bulk cash smuggling. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) alleged that Quiboloy trafficked Filipino girls and women to the US, where they were forced to solicit donations for a fake charity.

According to the FBI, Quiboloy also coerced his female personal assistants, known as “pastorals,into having sex with him. Despite these serious allegations, Quiboloy's influence continued to grow in the Philippines, particularly during his association with the former president, whom he served as a spiritual adviser.

However, Quiboloy's fortunes began to decline after the president stepped down in June 2022. The change in leadership marked a turning point for Quiboloy, who was eventually arrested in 2023 after a two-week standoff with police.

Following the US charges, Filipino authorities filed additional charges against Apollo Quiboloy, including child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. A warrant was issued for his arrest, leading to a two-week standoff between police and his followers at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao.

The compound, spanning 30 hectares, has been under siege as thousands of policemen attempt to apprehend Quiboloy. Surveillance equipment detected heartbeats suggesting Quiboloy was hiding in an underground bunker. The complex is a self-sustaining community with around 40 buildings, including a cathedral, school, and even a hangar.

Apollo Quiboloy's lawyer alleged that the two-week manhunt had transformed the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound into a “police garrison,” resulting in the desecration of one of their cathedrals.

On Sunday, September 8, Quiboloy surrendered peacefully after being given a 24-hour ultimatum, according to the national police representative. This decision came after a tense standoff between police and Quiboloy's followers.

Quiboloy's lawyer stated that his client chose to surrender to prevent further “lawless violence.” The circumstances surrounding the arrest were not immediately disclosed, except that it occurred within the compound.

The regional police chief credited a collaborative effort among all parties involved for Quiboloy's successful arrest, marking a significant development in the case.

Apollo Quiboloy and four others arrested with him were transported to the national police headquarters in Manila, where they are currently being held. Prior to his arrest, Quiboloy claimed that the devil was responsible for his legal troubles.

Quiboloy also expressed his desire to keep the FBI out of his case. The Philippines has no immediate plans to extradite him, according to reports.

The standoff at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound occurred amid a highly publicized feud. While Quiboloy was in hiding, the then-president revealed that he knew Quiboloy's location but refused to disclose it to the authorities.

The Vice President, daughter of the former president, denounced the police for using excessive force in their pursuit of Apollo Quiboloy. She joined the chorus of critics questioning the authorities' handling of the situation.

According to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Quiboloy founded the organization in Davao in 1985 after receiving a divine message in 1973. He claimed to have heard God whisper “I will use you” during an event led by an American pastor in South Korea.

Quiboloy's lavish lifestyle is evident in his travels on a private jet and his elaborate sermons. He preaches from a glass podium, surrounded by giant photographs of his opulent “Garden of Eden Restored” estate. These sermons are broadcast on his own TV, radio, and social media network, reaching a wide audience.

Apollo Quiboloy's sermons are broadcast on his own TV, radio, and social media network, allowing him to reach a wide audience.

Quiboloy expanded his political influence by endorsing candidates to his followers during elections, a widespread practice among religious leaders in the Philippines. In a country where politics is often driven by patronage rather than ideology, Quiboloy's endorsements carried significant weight.