Philippine pastor and Duterte ally arrested on child sex crime charges

By AJU PRESS Posted : September 10, 2024, 14:10 Updated : September 10, 2024, 14:10
Apollo Quiboloy, a Filipino preacher facing sexual abuse and human trafficking charges in both the Philippines and the U.S., is led into police custody at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Sept. 9, 2024. AP-Yonhap
SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent pastor and close associate of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, was apprehended by police on Sunday, after a two-week standoff at his 30-hectare religious compound in Davao City. The 74-year-old founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church faces charges in the U.S. for child sex trafficking, money laundering, and bulk cash smuggling.

The arrest came after Philippine courts issued warrants in April, prompting a large-scale police operation involving about 2,000 officers. Quiboloy and four accomplices surrendered following a 24-hour ultimatum from authorities. They were airlifted to Manila and detained at a police facility.

U.S. federal prosecutors allege Quiboloy coerced female followers aged 12 to 25 into sexual acts by threatening "eternal damnation" if they refused his advances as the self-proclaimed "Son of God." The pastor played a significant role in Duterte's 2016 election campaign, utilizing his church network to support the former president.

The arrest operation faced criticism from Duterte's children, with Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte accusing the police of abusing their power and violating legal procedures. Despite this, the capture marks a significant development in the case against the influential religious leader.

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