By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The elusive and controversial leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, who has long proclaimed himself as the “Appointed Son of God,” has finally been apprehended by authorities.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, currently in Dubai on official business, confirmed the arrest on Sunday evening.
“Nahuli na si Pastor Quiboloy!” Abalos announced in a Facebook post, accompanied by a photo of Quiboloy alongside his legal counsel, Israelito Torreon.
Quiboloy, a close spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, faces multiple serious charges, including violations under Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
In addition, Quiboloy has been charged with qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended. This case is pending before a Pasig court.
The arrest of Quiboloy follows years of accusations, including allegations of sexual abuse, child exploitation, and money laundering, leading to a 2021 U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) probe that resulted in Quiboloy being placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Quiboloy had managed to evade arrest for years due to his influence and strong political connections.
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