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The arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent Filipino pastor who claims to be the "Appointed Son of God," has sent shockwaves through the country and beyond. After a dramatic two-week standoff with police, Quiboloy was apprehended on Sunday at his sprawling compound in Davao, operated by his church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). The arrest comes amidst serious allegations of child sex trafficking, human trafficking, and fraud levied against him by both the Philippine and US authorities.
Quiboloy's arrest followed a violent clash between his followers and anti-riot police. The operation to apprehend him resulted in the tragic death of one church member who suffered a heart attack. The pastor, who boasts a following of approximately seven million, has vehemently denied all allegations against him. However, the US Department of Justice filed charges against him in 2021, accusing him of sex trafficking girls and women from the Philippines to the US for illicit activities. These activities included soliciting funds for a fraudulent charity and demanding sexual favors from his female personal assistants, referred to as "pastorals."
Quiboloy's rise to prominence coincided with the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, who served as his spiritual advisor. However, after Duterte's departure from office in June 2022, Quiboloy's fortunes took a turn for the worse. Philippine authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. The ensuing standoff at the KOJC compound, which includes numerous buildings, was tense. Police deployed surveillance equipment to locate Quiboloy, who was believed to be hiding in an underground bunker. The situation escalated, leading to the compound being described as a "police garrison," with one of their cathedrals allegedly desecrated during the raid.
The arrest of Quiboloy marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against him. His surrender after a 24-hour ultimatum from the police raises questions about his motives. While his lawyer claims he surrendered to prevent further violence, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asserts that he was forced to come out as police were closing in. This incident further intensifies the public rift between the Marcos and Duterte political families, as Duterte previously claimed knowledge of Quiboloy's whereabouts but did not disclose it to the authorities. His daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte, has also criticized the police for their methods in pursuing Quiboloy.
The arrest of Quiboloy raises serious concerns about the extent of his alleged crimes and the potential impact they have had on victims. It also highlights the complexities of navigating international legal proceedings and the challenges of holding influential figures accountable for their actions. As the Philippines continues to grapple with these charges, the fate of Quiboloy and his followers remains uncertain. The legal battle will likely be protracted and will likely have far-reaching consequences for all involved.