(UPDATED: Sept. 9, 2024)
MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive televangelist Apollo Quiboloy has been arrested after surrendering to the authorities. The Quiboloy news comes fom his legal counsel, hours after Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced Quiboloy’s arrest in a social media post on Sunday. This marked a significant development in the long-standing manhunt for the controversial pastor.
The arrest occurred weeks after authorities initiated a raid at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City on August 24. Over 2,000 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel were deployed in an effort to serve the arrest warrant for Pastor Quiboloy, but the self-proclaimed “Son of God” managed to evade capture until now. Ferdinand Topacio released further statements notifying that Quiboloy himself surrendered to the officials.
“He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG,” Topacio said in a statement.
He also added: “Pastor Quiboloy’s legal team shall continue to protect his rights under the Constitution and the laws as we prepare his defense.”
Apollo Quiboloy faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking, filed by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2021. The charges accuse Quiboloy of exploiting girls and women, some as young as 12, and coercing them into sexual acts while posing as his personal assistants, or “pastorals.”
In addition to his U.S. indictment, Pastor Quiboloy faces several legal charges in the Philippines. In June, the Philippine Department of Justice filed charges against him for sexual abuse, qualified human trafficking, and other forms of child abuse. Quiboloy news today has focused heavily on these allegations, which have led to increased pressure on authorities to apprehend the religious leader.
After his surrender. Sen. Risa Hontiveros released a statement on how justice is now within reach for the pastor’s alleged victims.
“You will pay the price, Apollo Quiboloy,” Hontiveros said. “You cannot outrun the law. You will not further delay justice.”
She also stated that the Senat will also continu investigating the alleged systematic abuse within some KoJC members.
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