Self-proclaimed “Son of God” Apollo Quiboloy, wanted by the FBI for child sex abuse, has been arrested in the Philippines after a tense standoff.
At a Glance
- Apollo Quiboloy, a Filipino evangelist preacher, was arrested on charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse
- Quiboloy was apprehended at his religious compound in Davao after a two-week standoff
- He was a trusted spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated there would be “no special treatment” for Quiboloy
- The Philippine Department of Justice said Quiboloy would face trial in the Philippines before any extradition
Arrest of a Self-Proclaimed “Son of God”
In a dramatic turn of events, Apollo Quiboloy, a Filipino evangelist preacher who calls himself the “appointed son of God,” has been arrested on charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse. The arrest took place at Quiboloy’s religious compound in Davao after a tense two-week standoff, marking a significant victory for law enforcement in their pursuit of the FBI-wanted preacher.
Quiboloy, who boasts a following of 7 million worldwide, was not just a religious figure but also wielded considerable political influence. He served as a trusted spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte, a connection that has added complexity to the case. However, current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made it clear that there will be “no special treatment” for Quiboloy, signaling a shift in political winds.
An evangelical preacher wanted by the FBI, and who has close ties to former leader Rodrigo Duterte and his family, has been arrested as the clan’s rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. deepens. https://t.co/jtMDAW3iso
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) September 9, 2024
Charges and Allegations
The charges against Quiboloy are severe and wide-ranging. U.S. federal prosecutors indicted him in November 2021 for child trafficking, sex trafficking, and other crimes. He is accused of bringing church members to the U.S. on fraudulent visas and forcing them to solicit donations to fund his lavish lifestyle. More disturbing are the allegations of coercing female assistants into sex and trafficking girls and women from the Philippines to the U.S. for a bogus charity.
The U.S. Treasury Department took the serious step of sanctioning Quiboloy in December 2022 for human rights abuses, further highlighting the gravity of the accusations against him. These actions by U.S. authorities underscore the international nature of the crimes Quiboloy is alleged to have committed.
A Complex Legal Situation
The legal proceedings against Quiboloy are set to be complex and potentially prolonged. The Philippine Department of Justice has stated that Quiboloy will face trial in the Philippines before any extradition to the United States can take place. This decision reflects the seriousness with which the Philippine authorities are treating the domestic charges against Quiboloy.
The arrest itself was a significant operation, involving some 2,000 police officers and hundreds of soldiers surrounding the compound. This led to violent clashes and, tragically, one death. The scale of the operation speaks to both the perceived threat posed by Quiboloy and his followers, and the determination of Philippine authorities to bring him into custody.
Political Fallout
The pursuit and arrest of Quiboloy have had political repercussions in the Philippines. It has strained the alliance between President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Sara Duterte even took the unusual step of apologizing to Quiboloy’s followers for urging them to vote for Marcos, highlighting the deep political divisions the case has exposed.
As the legal process unfolds, the case against Apollo Quiboloy will likely continue to captivate both the Philippines and the international community. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of international cooperation in pursuing justice across borders, especially in cases involving such serious allegations of human rights abuses and exploitation.
