Philippines Arrests Influential Evangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy on Sex Crime Charges

Philippine authorities have arrested Apollo Quiboloy, a powerful evangelist preacher accused of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. The arrest was confirmed on Sunday, following a massive search operation that involved over 2,000 police officers.

Apollo Quiboloy, who refers to himself as the “owner of the universe” and the “appointed son of God,” has been at the center of numerous criminal allegations. Despite his claims of innocence, he is wanted not only in the Philippines but also in the United States, where he is on the FBI’s “most wanted” list for sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling.

“Apollo Quiboloy has been caught,” Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced on his Facebook page, though he did not disclose the specifics of Quiboloy’s capture.

The arrest followed a search of Quiboloy’s sprawling compound in Davao, where he is believed to have been hiding in a bunker. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Quiboloy’s church, owns the compound. Philippine police spokesperson Jean Fajardo confirmed that Quiboloy was apprehended inside the compound.

“At around 1:30 p.m., a negotiation took place for their surrender because we gave them a 24-hour ultimatum,” Fajardo told reporters. Quiboloy and four of his associates surrendered to authorities and were later transported by military plane to the capital region, where they were detained at a facility inside the national police headquarters.

The arrest of Quiboloy marks a significant moment in the Philippines, where he commands a massive following. His influence extends deeply into the political sphere, and he is known to be a longtime friend of former President Rodrigo Duterte.