Philippine Preacher Faces Abuse and Trafficking Charges

Philippine Preacher Embroiled in Child Trafficking Scandal

According to police spokesman Colonel Jean Fajardo, the alleged victims were molested at ages 12 or 13...

Apollo Quiboloy, leader of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, accused of child abuse, sex trafficking & fraud; US & Philippine authorities investigate.

Apollo Quiboloy, a 74-year-old Philippine celebrity preacher, has denied allegations of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. Quiboloy, who calls himself the “anointed son of God,” was arrested on September 8.

Quiboloy, a close associate of former President Rodrigo Duterte, faced multiple charges, including human trafficking and child sexual abuse. A massive search operation involving over 2,000 security personnel combed through his 30-hectare (74-acre) church compound in Davao.

At Quiboloy's arraignment in Manila on September 13, his lawyer, Israelito Torreon, maintained the preacher's innocence.

A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for October. Quiboloy and four co-defendants arrived at the courthouse 45 minutes early, surrounded by reporters. The preacher, wearing handcuffs, an orange detainee shirt, and bulletproof gear, was nearly unrecognizable.

Addressing his followers in Filipino, Quiboloy urged, “Stay strong, stay strong.”

Attorney Joahna Paula Domingo, representing one of the alleged victims, stated: “We believe the truth about Apollo Quiboloy's alleged crimes will ultimately come to light.”

Davao police chief Colonel Hansel Marantan announced on September 13 that two of the five accusers have agreed to testify against Quiboloy, alleging sex slavery.

According to police spokesman Colonel Jean Fajardo, the alleged victims were molested at ages 12 or 13. They were reportedly told that complying with Quiboloy's demands was necessary to “serve God” and would guarantee their “pass to heaven.”

Apollo Quiboloy's influential reach extends to millions of followers in the Philippines, where church leaders wield significant political clout.

Before his arraignment, Quiboloy's church, Kingdom of Jesus Christ, released a statement emphasizing that members are never forced to act against their will, citing this as a “cardinal rule.”

Quiboloy faces additional child abuse charges in another court case. Furthermore, a US grand jury has indicted him on separate charges, including conspiracy to sexually traffic children, fraud, and large-scale cash smuggling.

Quiboloy faces additional child abuse charges in a separate court case.

A US grand jury has indicted Quiboloy on multiple counts, including:

• Conspiracy to sexually traffic children

• Fraud

• Large-scale cash smuggling

The 2021 US indictment alleges that Quiboloy recruited women to serve as his personal assistants, tasks included cooking, cleaning, massages, and forced sexual acts, exploiting them under the guise of employment.

President Ferdinand Marcos announced on Monday that, “the government is not currently considering extraditing the pastor to the U.S. because we are concentrating on the cases filed in the Philippines.”