A Filipino preacher on the run from sexual abuse charges has been arrested

Philippine preacher accused of sexual abuse arrested.

On September 8, 2024, news from Manila, the Philippines. Apollo Quiboloy, a Philippine preacher who has been accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking in the Philippines and is also facing similar charges in the United States, has been captured. Philippine Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced the news on his Facebook account but did not provide details. Philippine National Police chief General Rommel Francisco Mabir also confirmed his arrest.

Previously, a Philippine court ordered the arrest of Quiboloy and others on suspicion of child sexual abuse, and the Philippine Senate also ordered his arrest for refusing to attend a committee hearing to investigate criminal charges. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Quiboloy to surrender and promised fair treatment. Quiboloy and his lawyer deny the accusations, saying they are fabricated by critics and former members who have been expelled from the religious group.

In 2021, US federal prosecutors filed a lawsuit against Quiboloy, accusing him of having sex with women and underage girls unless they catered to the man who calls himself the "Son of God." The superseding indictment contains multiple charges.

In August, about 2,000 police officers, supported by riot squads, raided the religious complex of Quiboloy's organization, "Kingdom of Jesus Christ," in the south of Davao City but did not find him. The complex is huge and includes a cathedral, stadium, school, and more. In 2019, Quiboloy claimed to have prevented a major earthquake from hitting southern the Philippines. He is also a close supporter and spiritual adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is being investigated by the International Criminal Court for the extrajudicial executions of drug suspects by the police.