Influential pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who claims to be the "owner of the universe" and the "appointed son of God," was apprehended in the Philippines on Sunday on charges of child sex trafficking.
As per a report by UK-based The Sun, more than 2,000 police officers were deployed for over two weeks to search a 75-acre compound in Davao, owned by his church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). Authorities suspected he was hiding in a bunker on the property.
The followers of Quiboloy blocked the entrance to the compound to prevent police from executing the arrest warrant. Police also used helicopters to fly over key sites, including a cathedral, a college, and a 75,000-seat stadium, NDTV reported.
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In the days leading up to the arrest of Quiboloy, police reportedly detected the heat and heartbeat of a human body deep underground using thermal imaging and radar technology.
According to the Sun News, regional police chief, Nicholas Torre, who led this operation has confirmed the arrest. He said, "This is a concerted effort of everyone involved." "Let's be proud. We did our job today."
In April, Quiboloy stated, "I am not avoiding the charges because I am guilty. That's not the case. I am simply protecting myself."
He also mentioned that things "became complicated" after Ferdinand Marcos Jr. became president in 2022. He has alleged that Marcos' government is plotting to "turn me over to the Americans."
Quiboloy Faces Charges Of Child Sexual Abuse, Human Trafficking
Quiboloy, a close associate of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, faces charges of child sexual abuse, and human trafficking, and is listed on the FBI's "most wanted" list for sex trafficking.
In 2021, the U.S. Justice Department charged Quiboloy with sex trafficking involving girls and women aged 12 to 25, who were allegedly forced to work as his assistants, or "pastorals," and required to have sex with him.
He is also wanted for bulk cash smuggling and for orchestrating a scheme that brought church members to the U.S. on fraudulent visas, where they were then compelled to solicit donations for a fake charity. The funds were allegedly used to support church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders.