Fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy was arrested on Sunday, following weeks of intense police operations aimed at capturing him.
The arrest comes after authorities initiated a search of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, according to a statement from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos.
On August 24, approximately 2,000 Philippine National Police (PNP) officers raided the KOJC compound in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant on Quiboloy, who has been evading multiple charges both in the Philippines and the United States. The search of the sprawling 33-hectare property was led by PNP Regional Office 11 chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who expressed relief at Quiboloy’s eventual surrender.
“It’s a relief. Malaki ang relief. Matutulog muna ako,” Torre said. He declined to provide further details of the operation but confirmed the surrender, stating, “I was informed by the secretary that Quiboloy has already surrendered. So nahuli na. Hindi ko alam ang details.”
Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, issued a statement clarifying that the pastor voluntarily surrendered to the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), disputing claims that the PNP made the arrest. “He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG,” Topacio emphasized. He assured that Quiboloy’s legal team would continue to protect his rights and prepare for his defense.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Torre praised the police force involved in the operation, noting the significance of the mission’s success. “Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa ating kapulisan. Sama-sama sa misyon na ito,” he said, while acknowledging the future challenges the law enforcement agency still faces.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who led a Senate investigation into the alleged criminal activities involving Quiboloy, commended the efforts of law enforcement and expressed hope for justice for the victims.
“Abot-kamay na ng mga victim-survivors ang hustisya. Salamat sa kanilang lakas ng loob na magsabi ng katotohanan,” Hontiveros said. She vowed to continue the Senate probe into the allegations surrounding the pastor and his organization.
“Bilang na ang araw ng tulad nilang nambabastos sa batas at nang-aabuso sa kababaihan, kabataan, at kapwa nating Pilipino. Mananagot ka, Apollo Quiboloy. You cannot outrun the law. You will not further delay justice,” she added.
Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “Son of God” and leader of a religious sect with millions of followers, faces multiple charges in both the Philippines and the U.S. In 2021, he was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for sex trafficking, fraud, and other offenses. He also faces warrants in the Philippines related to child sexual abuse and human trafficking.
In recent months, Quiboloy’s legal problems have escalated. His last public statement accused the Marcos administration and the U.S. of conspiring to eliminate him, further heightening tensions around his case.
Before his arrest, Quiboloy had requested a written guarantee from the Philippine government to prevent his extradition to the U.S., citing concerns over “American interference” and extraordinary rendition.
Following the arrest, the KOJC’s television network SMNI posted images of church members embracing police officers. The message accompanying the post expressed gratitude for the authorities’ actions and highlighted Quiboloy’s teachings on forgiveness.
“After all the pains and struggles, it is evident that the KOJC missionaries have embraced Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s teaching to love not only their neighbors but even their enemies,” read the statement.
The arrest marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into Quiboloy’s alleged criminal activities, with authorities determined to hold him accountable for the charges he faces.
