Giovana Gelhoren
Updated on: October 8, 2024 6:42 pm GMT
Filipino Pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges
Filipino pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, a prominent religious figure and self-proclaimed “appointed son of God,” was arrested by Philippine authorities on October 15, 2023. This arrest follows a lengthy manhunt that lasted over three years and included a dramatic standoff at his church compound in Davao City. Quiboloy faces serious charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking, both in the Philippines and the United States.
Details of the Arrest
The arrest was confirmed by the Philippines’ Secretary of the Interior, Benhur Abalos, who shared the news via a social media post on Sunday. According to reports from state media, Quiboloy was taken into custody along with four aides after they surrendered to authorities. Prior to the surrender, Philippine National Police had surrounded the sprawling 30-hectare Kingdom of Jesus Christ church compound, where Quiboloy had been hiding, for over two weeks.
Timeline of Events
- October 15, 2023: Quiboloy and his aides surrender after a 24-hour ultimatum issued by police.
- Weeks prior: Nearly 2,000 officers were deployed around the church compound to apprehend the pastor.
- Earlier in 2023: The Philippine Department of Justice filed charges against Quiboloy, prompting a court to issue an arrest warrant.
Local police reported that Quiboloy and his followers had engaged in confrontations during the standoff, with followers allegedly obstructing access for police by blocking roads and throwing stones. After surrendering, Quiboloy and his aides were flown out of Davao for processing at police headquarters in Quezon City, near Manila.
Charges and Allegations Against Quiboloy
Quiboloy has been charged with serious offenses, including human trafficking and sexual abuse of minors. A 2021 indictment in the United States accuses him of running a sex trafficking operation that coerced girls and women into sexual acts under threats of “eternal damnation.” The indictment specifies that these women were recruited as personal assistants, referred to as “pastorals,” and were allegedly required to have sexual relations with Quiboloy.
Response From Authorities
Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Director of Police Regional Office 11, expressed relief that Quiboloy chose to surrender, thanking him for “the realization to face the law” and acknowledging the cooperation of church members. This event marks a significant turnaround in the long-standing authorities’ pursuit of Quiboloy, who had previously evaded capture.
The Philippine government had deployed extensive resources in the investigation and efforts to apprehend the pastor. On the day of his surrender, at least 3,000 police officers were mobilized, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the influence Quiboloy holds through his church.
Quiboloy’s Allegations of Conspiracy
Following his arrest, Quiboloy claimed that his situation became increasingly precarious after the election of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022. He alleged that the Marcos administration conspired with U.S. agencies like the FBI and CIA to enable his arrest and subsequent extradition attempts.
In previous statements, Quiboloy had requested guarantees from the government concerning his extradition as a precondition for his surrender, asserting he would confront the charges against him in the Philippines. However, authorities did not seem to entertain his demands.
Background on Quiboloy
Quiboloy has previously been a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, frequently appearing on his television station to support various police enforcement activities, including controversial drug crackdowns that resulted in numerous fatalities among suspected offenders. His church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, remains a powerful religious organization in the Philippines, attracting thousands of followers and wielding considerable political influence.
Community Reactions
The arrest of Quiboloy has elicited mixed reactions from the Filipino community, with some supporters expressing disbelief over the allegations, while others welcome the decision by authorities to enforce the law against high-profile figures. The situation raises significant issues regarding the intersection of religion, power, and law enforcement in the Philippines.
Next Steps for Justice
As Quiboloy faces the potential for trials in both the United States and the Philippines, the future of this case may have broader implications for the ongoing fight against human trafficking and sexual abuse, particularly involving religious leaders. The legal proceedings ahead will be closely monitored not only by local communities but also by international observers concerned about justice for victims.
Further Reading
As the legal situation develops, we’ll have to wait and see how this important case will change how people view responsibility in religious groups and how they deal with claims of sexual abuse in the Philippines.
