8-9-2024 (MANILA) Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent evangelist preacher and self-proclaimed “owner of the universe”, has been arrested, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Quiboloy, who is in his 70s and leads the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church, faces serious allegations of child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. The charismatic leader, who has long maintained his innocence, is also on the FBI’s “most wanted” list in the United States for separate charges of sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling.
“Apollo Quiboloy has been caught,” Abalos announced via his official Facebook page on Sunday. However, details regarding the circumstances and location of the arrest remain undisclosed at this time.
The arrest comes on the heels of an extensive manhunt that saw over 2,000 police officers deployed last month to search a vast compound in Davao City, southern Philippines. Authorities suspected Quiboloy might have been hiding in a bunker within the KOJC-owned property.
Quiboloy’s influence extends far beyond his millions of followers in the Philippines. He has long been a significant figure in the country’s political landscape, where religious leaders often wield considerable power. His connections to the highest echelons of Philippine politics are well-documented, with former President Rodrigo Duterte counting him as a long-time friend.
The evangelist’s political clout was evident when Duterte credited Quiboloy and his followers for playing a crucial role in his 2016 presidential victory. More recently, current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also acknowledged Quiboloy’s support in his successful 2022 campaign.
The arrest marks a dramatic turn of events for the man who refers to himself as the “appointed son of god”. It raises questions about the potential ramifications for his extensive religious organisation and his political allies.
