3-4-2024 (MANILA) In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Philippines’ religious landscape, a Manila court has ordered the arrest of the influential evangelical preacher Apollo Quiboloy. The self-proclaimed “owner of the universe” and “appointed son of God” stands accused of grave charges, including human trafficking and sexual abuse of a woman, according to court documents.
Quiboloy, a longtime friend of former President Rodrigo Duterte and the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc., boasts a following of millions in the deeply religious nation. However, his alleged actions have now placed him in the crosshairs of the law, with a family court in the southern city of Davao issuing an arrest warrant after his indictment by the Philippine justice department last month.
The charges against Quiboloy stem from accusations that date back several years, though the details remain shrouded in secrecy. The justice department’s decision to indict the preacher marks a significant reversal from its previous stance in 2020, when it had initially dismissed the allegations.
“The victim’s persistent legal battle has brought new light to the gravity of her accusations,” the department stated, acknowledging the weight of the evidence presented.
Quiboloy’s legal woes extend beyond the Philippines’ borders, as he also faces separate charges of sex trafficking in the United States. The FBI has listed him as a wanted individual, with accusations of coercing girls and young women into sexual acts – allegations he has vehemently denied.
The impending arrest of such a prominent religious figure has sent shockwaves through the nation, where church leaders often wield significant influence, particularly during election seasons. Quiboloy’s close ties to former President Duterte have added an additional layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Philippines finds itself grappling with the delicate balance between upholding the rule of law and respecting the country’s deeply rooted religious traditions. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, not only for Quiboloy and his followers but also for the nation’s broader discourse on accountability and the boundaries of spiritual authority.
