Philippine Pastor Arrested in Major Sex Trafficking Case

Apollo Quiboloy, a Philippine pastor with deep political connections, has been arrested after being sought by U.S. authorities for child sex trafficking. The arrest, confirmed by Philippine Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos on Sunday, marks a critical juncture in a high-profile manhunt that has drawn considerable attention from both local and international observers.

Quiboloy, who is the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, has been charged with serious offenses in both the Philippines and the United States. The charges against him include sex trafficking of minors and young women, whom he allegedly coerced into working as personal assistants—referred to as “pastorals”—under conditions that included sexual exploitation. The U.S. Department of Justice initially charged Quiboloy in 2021, alleging that he and his associates trafficked girls and women between the ages of 12 and 25 to perform sexual acts.

The arrest of Quiboloy comes two weeks into a comprehensive manhunt led by Philippine authorities. Brigadier-General Nicolas Torre, the regional police chief overseeing the operation, detailed the scale and intensity of the manhunt, which saw approximately 2,000 police officers deployed to Quiboloy’s sect headquarters in Davao City. The massive police presence was instrumental in executing the arrest warrant on August 24, though specific details of the arrest have not been disclosed.

Quiboloy’s arrest is notable not only for the gravity of the charges but also for his high-profile connections. A self-proclaimed “Son of God,” Quiboloy is closely linked with former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. His church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, boasts millions of followers and has been a significant political and social force in the Philippines. The connection to Duterte, who is known for his controversial and often authoritarian policies, has added a layer of complexity to the case.

The U.S. charges against Quiboloy involve allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation under the guise of religious service. According to the indictment, the pastor and his associates recruited young women and girls with promises of a better life, only to force them into sexual servitude. The case has drawn significant international scrutiny due to the severity of the accusations and the influential position of the accused.

In response to the arrest, Philippine authorities have praised the joint efforts of local and national law enforcement. Brigadier-General Torre emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation, stating, “This is a concerted effort of everyone involved. Let’s be proud. We did our job today.” The operation’s success is seen as a crucial step in addressing human trafficking and holding accountable those who exploit vulnerable individuals.

The arrest also underscores the growing international cooperation in combating human trafficking and other forms of organized crime. The case against Quiboloy reflects broader efforts to address and dismantle trafficking networks that operate across borders, leveraging the collaboration between U.S. and Philippine authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely continue to attract significant attention, both in the Philippines and internationally. The outcome of the trials and the broader implications for both the religious community and political landscape in the Philippines will be closely monitored. For now, Quiboloy’s arrest marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against human trafficking and highlights the importance of global cooperation in addressing such heinous crimes.