Philippine Televangelist: How He Ended Up on the FBI’s Most-Wanted List

In the Philippines, Apollo Carreon Quiboloy was once a prominent religious figure and televangelist, known for declaring himself the “appointed son of God.” His influence extended into politics as he supported former President Rodrigo Duterte, earning a reputation as a political kingmaker.

However, Quiboloy’s fortunes changed dramatically when a U.S. indictment in 2021 accused him of serious offenses, including sex trafficking, sexual abuse of women and underage girls, and other related crimes. This indictment has led to similar legal troubles for him in the Philippines, forcing him into hiding earlier this year.

On Sunday, he surrendered to authorities in his base of operations in Mindanao, accompanied by four co-defendants, amid a heavy police presence. The 74-year-old preacher was later paraded in front of the media dressed in an orange detainee uniform, with officials declaring that “no one is above the law” during a nationwide broadcast.

Quiboloy’s rise to prominence began in 1985 when he founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, which reportedly grew to include around 6 million followers across approximately 200 countries. His church’s operations in Davao City, which included a sprawling 30-hectare property complete with a cathedral and a stadium, contributed to his substantial influence.

Despite the opulent lifestyle he portrayed, concerns lingered regarding the sources of his considerable wealth. His properties extended beyond the Philippines; Quiboloy maintained residences in California, Las Vegas, and Hawaii.

During his peak, political ambitions were often aligned with Quiboloy, with many seeking his endorsement. His support of Duterte during the 2016 elections solidified their closeness, as he provided spiritual guidance to the former president, who infamously discussed his administration’s controversial anti-drug policies on Quiboloy’s television programs.

The human rights implications of Duterte’s administration, especially the high death toll from the drug war, led to international condemnation, with ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court into possible crimes against humanity. Quiboloy himself gained notoriety for his fantastical claims, including that he had averted a major earthquake in 2019.

In 2021, U.S. federal prosecutors charged him with multiple crimes linked to sexual misconduct and trafficking. The charges described how Quiboloy allegedly exploited his followers through threats, including the promise of “eternal damnation,” compelling them to provide services and sexual favors. Some victims reportedly included minors.

The indictment detailed various serious accusations against him and several co-defendants, including involvement in a labor trafficking scheme that led church members to the U.S., resulting in coerced solicitation for donations to fund church operations. Federal authorities issued a warrant for Quiboloy’s arrest, eventually placing him on the FBI’s most-wanted list.

In the Philippines, legal actions against Quiboloy accelerated following reports from former followers, who filed charges of child abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Despite the severity of the allegations, Quiboloy and his associates vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming they were ready to defend themselves in court against ‘fabricated’ claims.

After entering hiding earlier this year, Quiboloy’s location was revealed following a significant police operation that involved over 2,000 officers attempting to apprehend him. Following a police ultimatum, he ultimately chose to surrender, a decision framed by his legal team as being based on concern for his followers’ suffering during the search.

He and his co-defendants were flown to Manila and taken to a secure detention facility. Their brief presentation to the media didn’t include comments from Quiboloy, but officials reiterated the message that justice must prevail, emphasizing the principle of accountability in the Philippines.

As developments unfold, the U.S. is anticipated to seek extradition of Quiboloy and his associates. However, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that the legal processes in the Philippines must occur first, asserting that Quiboloy would face the same treatment as any other detainee.

Quiboloy’s legal troubles represent a significant shift in the landscape of religious and political influence in the Philippines, stirring debate about power dynamics and accountability.

Source: AP News