MANILA, Philippines — Apollo Quiboloy, an influential evangelical preacher and self-proclaimed “owner of the universe,” has been arrested on charges of sex trafficking and sexual abuse, Philippine authorities announced on Sunday. Quiboloy, who also refers to himself as the “appointed son of God,” has long denied the allegations against him.
“Apollo Quiboloy has been caught,” Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. wrote on his Facebook page, though he did not specify how or where the prominent pastor was taken into custody.
Quiboloy’s arrest follows an extensive manhunt that involved more than 2,000 police officers. Authorities had been searching for the controversial religious leader in a sprawling compound owned by his church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), in the southern city of Davao. The compound, reportedly equipped with a bunker, was believed to be his hiding place.
Philippine police spokesperson Jean Fajardo confirmed that Quiboloy was captured within the Davao compound on Sunday. However, Fajardo did not provide further details about the circumstances of the arrest.
The 73-year-old pastor, who commands millions of followers and wields significant political influence in the Philippines, was flown to the capital region by military plane late Sunday along with four co-accused individuals. Fajardo said the group surrendered to authorities and is now being held at a detention facility inside the national police headquarters.
Quiboloy’s legal troubles extend beyond the Philippines. He is also on the FBI’s “most wanted” list in the United States, facing separate charges of sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling. Like the allegations in his home country, Quiboloy has denied any wrongdoing in the U.S. cases.
The arrest comes at a time when growing scrutiny is being placed on the role of religious leaders in the Philippines, where the influence of evangelical churches can significantly shape political landscapes. Quiboloy’s church, KOJC, has been a powerful force, with its leader frequently appearing alongside politicians and even claiming to have directly influenced national elections.
As the investigation unfolds, Quiboloy and his followers face an uncertain future. His arrest marks a significant chapter in a years-long saga of allegations, some of which date back to the early 2000s. For now, millions of his devotees wait to see how their leader will navigate the latest challenge to his ministry.
