Controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy Arrested in the Philippines
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the 'Kingdom of Jesus Christ' sect, was arrested in Davao, Philippines, where he claims to have around 7 million followers. Quiboloy, who refers to himself as 'God's chosen son,' faces serious allegations of child sexual abuse and human trafficking. The charges stem from accusations made by the U.S. Department of Justice, which include sexually exploiting young women between the ages of 12 and 25 from 2002 to 2018.
Philippine Government's Stance on Extradition
Despite the gravity of the charges, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos announced that the country is not considering extraditing Quiboloy to the United States. He emphasized that the focus will be on the ongoing cases against Quiboloy within the Philippines. Marcos praised the police for their swift action in arresting the pastor, asserting that the Philippine judicial system will demonstrate its effectiveness in handling such cases.
Legal Proceedings and Global Attention
Quiboloy's arrest has drawn international attention, especially given his past as a spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte. Both the U.S. and Philippine courts have issued arrest warrants for him, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Philippine legal system will approach these charges and whether the U.S. will formally request his extradition.
- Pastor Quiboloy's sect, known for its extensive media presence, utilizes television, radio, and social media to spread its teachings. The U.S. indictment claims that Quiboloy exploited vulnerable young women by bringing them to the United States under false pretenses and coercing them into sexual acts. The Philippine Department of Justice has also filed charges against him for human trafficking and sexual harassment related to incidents dating back to 2011. Quiboloy has consistently denied all allegations, suggesting that U.S. authorities are biased against him.
