Filipino pastor arrested on suspicion of running child sex trafficking ring

Quiboloy's church and human trafficking charges

Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “Son of God” and ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, founded the Church of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in the Philippines.

The church claims to have millions of members.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Quiboloy with sex trafficking of girls and women between the ages of 12 and 25 who were allegedly forced to work as his personal assistants or “chaplains.”

Additional charges and arrest details

Quiboloy is also accused of cash smuggling and a scheme to fraudulently obtain visas to bring church members to the United States.

According to the FBI, these members were allegedly forced to raise funds for a fake charity, with the funds being used to operate the church and support the lavish lifestyles of its leaders.

Brigadier General Nicolas Torre confirmed Quiboloy's arrest at a press conference following a major operation involving 2,000 police officers.

Quiboloy's surrender and imprisonment

While fleeing justice, Quiboloy demanded that Manila provide a written guarantee that he would not be subjected to “extraordinary rendition” as a condition of his extradition.

Philippine police spokesman Jean Fajardo confirmed that Quiboloy was arrested at the site.

After his surrender, Quiboloy and four other co-defendants were taken by military aircraft to the capital region and detained in a facility at the National Police headquarters.

Reaction of the sect to Quiboloy’s arrest

Following the announcement of Quiboloy's arrest, SMNI, a Philippine television station run by his sect, posted pictures on its Facebook page showing members hugging uniformed police officers.

The post said: “After all the hardships and struggles, it is evident that the KOJC missionaries have embraced Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s teaching to love not only their neighbours but even their enemies.”