FBI seeks preacher claiming to be ‘son of god’ for alleged crimes in Philippines | World News
A respected preacher with a global following will not receive special treatment following his arrest in the Philippines, according to the country’s president.
Apollo Quiboloy, who claims to be the “owner of the universe” and the “appointed son of god”, is facing charges of sex trafficking and cash smuggling in the US, where he is wanted by the FBI.
Prior to his arrest on Sunday, the prominent church preacher was also wanted in the Philippines.
Over 2,000 police officers participated in the search for the evangelist before he was apprehended.
He was discovered hiding after a weeks-long search inside a “Bible school” at the expansive compound in Davao, owned by his church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), as reported by local authorities.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr confirmed that Quiboloy, a close ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, would be treated like any other individual in custody.
Former president Rodrigo Duterte. Pic: Reuters
President Marcos stated: “We will treat him like any other arrested person and respect his rights.
“We will demonstrate once again that our judicial system in the Philippines is active, vibrant and working.”
Quiboloy made a public appearance in front of the media on Monday.
Despite his reputation for lengthy sermons, the 74-year-old televangelist chose not to comment.
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Former president Mr Duterte and his family had criticized a major raid on the preacher’s religious complex in Davao on 24 August, which involved police equipment capable of detecting individuals hidden in underground tunnels.
Quiboloy’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon, stated that the pastor surrendered to authorities to prevent further escalation of the situation.
“Quiboloy’s innocence will be proven in court,” Mr. Torreon told DZBB radio.
Benjamin Abalos Jr, the interior minister, announced that the government intends to press charges against those who aided Quiboloy in evading arrest.
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President Marcos disclosed that Quiboloy’s camp had stipulated conditions for his surrender, including a guarantee that he would not be extradited to the US to face charges.
“Setting conditions is not an option for a fugitive,” stated the president, praising the successful operation to apprehend Quiboloy as “exemplary police work”.
“I can now say with some relief that this phase of the operation is complete. Quiboloy will now be left to the judicial system,” he added.
The Department of Justice in the Philippines acknowledged the extradition treaty with the US but specified that Quiboloy must first undergo trial and serve any sentence in the Philippines before any extradition request can be considered.
