Apollo Quiboloy , the self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), was arrested in the Philippines after a dramatic two-week standoff. Wanted for serious charges of child sex trafficking and human trafficking in both the United States and the Philippines, Quiboloy finally surrendered to authorities on Sunday after violent clashes between his followers and the police left one person dead. The standoff, which took place at Quiboloy's 30-hectare compound in Davao, saw thousands of his followers resisting the police’s attempts to enforce an arrest warrant.
Anti-riot police deployed helicopters and advanced technology to monitor the compound and locate Quiboloy, who was suspected of hiding in an underground bunker. Quiboloy's surrender marked the end of a tense operation that brought renewed attention to his influence and the serious allegations against him. Charges of Trafficking and Fraud In 2021, the US Department of Justice charged Quiboloy with a range of crimes, including child sex trafficking, fraud, and human trafficking.
According to the FBI , Quiboloy allegedly trafficked girls and young women from the Philippines to the United States, where they were forced to work for a fraudulent charity and provide sexual services. These women, known as "pastorals," were coerced into serving as Quiboloy’s personal assistants and were reportedly required to engage in sexual acts with him. In addition to sex trafficking, Quiboloy is also accused of bulk cash smuggling and bringing church members to the United States under fraudulent visas.
The US Department of Justice further alleges that these members were forced to solicit donations for a fake charity, with the proceeds funding Quiboloy's extravagant lifestyle. Despite the serious nature of these charges, Quiboloy has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer, Israelito Torreon, stated, "Quiboloy chose to surrender to prevent further violence.
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Gupta, Professor: Department of Finance and Business Economics, University of Delhi View Program A Lavish Life Amid Legal Troubles Quiboloy's arrest has drawn attention to the extent of his wealth and influence. His compound in Davao, where the standoff occurred, spans 30 hectares and includes more than 40 buildings, such as a cathedral, a school, and a hangar. Known as the "Garden of Eden Restored," the compound is a symbol of Quiboloy’s prosperity.
The pastor is also known for his lavish lifestyle, which includes private jet travel and access to luxurious amenities. Quiboloy's rise to prominence is closely linked to his relationship with former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte , who served as his spiritual adviser. During Duterte's presidency, Quiboloy's influence grew significantly.
However, following Duterte’s departure from office in June 2022, Quiboloy’s legal troubles escalated, culminating in the warrant for his arrest on charges of child and sexual abuse in the Philippines. The police raid on his compound in Davao was extensive. According to officials, the police used advanced technology, including thermal imaging and radar, to detect "the warmth and heartbeat of a human body" underground, leading them to believe Quiboloy was hiding in a bunker.
Over 2,000 officers were involved in the operation, and helicopters were deployed to monitor the compound, which includes a stadium with a seating capacity of 75,000. Quiboloy's political ties, particularly with the Duterte family, have complicated the legal proceedings against him. Former President Duterte had previously claimed knowledge of Quiboloy's whereabouts but did not share this information with authorities.
This revelation has raised questions about the level of protection Quiboloy may have received during Duterte’s administration. While the US Department of Justice sought Quiboloy’s arrest as early as 2021, it wasn’t until Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed the presidency that Philippine authorities moved forward with the operation to capture him.
However, despite his arrest, current President Marcos has indicated that the Philippines is not considering Quiboloy’s extradition to the United States at this time. Vice-President Sara Duterte, the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, also publicly criticized the police's methods during the standoff, adding to the political complexities surrounding the case. She stated that the police had turned Quiboloy's KOJC compound into a "police garrison" during the operation, sparking further controversy.
Quiboloy and four others arrested alongside him have been transferred to the national police headquarters in Manila, where they remain detained. The pastor's legal team continues to assert his innocence, arguing that the charges are politically motivated. "Quiboloy has always maintained that these accusations are part of a broader conspiracy against him," said Torreon.
While the Philippines is not considering extraditing Quiboloy to the United States, his legal troubles are far from over. He faces multiple charges both domestically and internationally, and his arrest marks a significant chapter in a case that has captivated both the Filipino public and international observers. Quiboloy's high-profile status, combined with the severity of the charges, ensures that his legal battles will remain in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
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