Preacher Wanted for Child Sex Abuse by FBI Arrested in the Philippines

September 9, 2024 TruthUSA

Last month, approximately 2,000 police officers, supported by riot squads, conducted a raid on a large compound in Davao city, leading to a 16-day manhunt.

An evangelical preacher accused of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and other crimes in the United States was apprehended in the Philippines after a 16-day manhunt.

Apollo Quiboloy, the accused preacher, evaded authorities by hiding in the compound of his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) group in Davao. He was wanted on charges of sexually abusing children.

The Interior Secretary, Benhur Abalos, and the Philippines’ chief of national police, General Rommel Francisco Marbil, announced Quiboloy’s arrest during a press conference where the preacher was presented with his face covered.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., elected in 2022, stated that Quiboloy would not receive special treatment and that he would be treated like any other arrested individual with respect to his rights.

Marcos Jr.’s vice president, Sara Duterte, is the daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, a close associate of Quiboloy’s and his former spiritual adviser.

President Marcos emphasized the active nature of the judicial system in the Philippines and stressed that Quiboloy would go through due legal process.

Marcos Jr. disputed claims that Quiboloy had surrendered under certain conditions, emphasizing that fugitives cannot dictate terms.

The president commended the police for their professionalism in apprehending Quiboloy, ensuring his fair treatment and due process.

Following his capture in Davao, Quiboloy was transported to Manila, where he is currently in custody.

In 2020, a U.S. federal grand jury indicted Quiboloy on various charges related to trafficking and other offenses.

A statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles revealed evidence of fraudulent activities linked to KOJC operations.

The following year, Quiboloy and others were indicted on new charges, including sex trafficking and fraud.

Another statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office detailed additional charges against Quiboloy and his associates.

Earlier this year, a Philippine court issued an arrest warrant for Quiboloy for his involvement in criminal activities. Additionally, the grand compound of KOJC in Davao was stormed by 2,000 police officers last month in an effort to locate Quiboloy.

Despite protests from his followers, the police carried out an extensive search of the large 75-acre compound, employing specialized equipment to detect hidden individuals.

President Marcos Jr. encouraged Quiboloy to surrender and assured him of fair treatment, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law.

Quiboloy and his legal representative denied the allegations against him, claiming they are fabricated by former members of KOJC.

Quiboloy, known for his vast following in the Philippines, had a close relationship with former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippines has an extradition agreement with the U.S., but the Department of Justice stated that Quiboloy would face trial in the Philippines before any extradition considerations.

Contributions to this report were made by the Associated Press and Reuters.

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