Manila. Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, a former influential televangelist and political ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, has recently made headlines as he faces severe legal challenges. Once a prominent figure in the Philippines, Quiboloy, who proclaimed himself the "appointed son of God," is now under scrutiny for multiple serious charges.

In 2021, Quiboloy was indicted in the US on charges including sex trafficking and fraud. The indictment accuses him of sexually abusing women and underage girls, some of whom were allegedly coerced with threats of eternal damnation. It also details claims of labor trafficking, money laundering, and visa fraud.

The US authorities allege that Quiboloy used his religious organization to recruit young women for domestic work and sexual services and that he exploited fraudulent visas to bring church members to the US to solicit donations. A federal arrest warrant was issued, placing him on the FBI’s most-wanted list.

In the Philippines, Quiboloy faces similar accusations, including child abuse and human trafficking. The local legal system has seen several attempts to arrest him, but he went into hiding earlier this year after a Philippine court ordered his detention.

Quiboloy’s influence peaked with his endorsement of Duterte in the 2016 presidential election. Duterte's brutal anti-drug campaign, which has faced international condemnation, was closely associated with Quiboloy’s support. The televangelist’s outrageous claims, including stopping a major earthquake, further polarized public opinion about him.

On Aug. 24, a large-scale police operation targeted Quiboloy's religious complex in Davao. Despite protests from his followers and criticism from Duterte’s family regarding the raid's intensity, the police persisted. The breakthrough came when authorities issued an ultimatum for Quiboloy to surrender or face another raid.

Quiboloy, along with four co-accused, surrendered and was transported to Manila, where they were held at a secure detention facility. His lawyer, Israelito Torreon, said that Quiboloy decided to surrender to avoid further distress for his supporters.

In a press briefing, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and national police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized that Quiboloy’s arrest underscores the principle that "no one is above the law" in the Philippines.

The US is expected to request extradition, but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has indicated that Quiboloy must first face justice in the Philippines before any extradition process. Marcos assured that Quiboloy would receive no special treatment and would be treated like any other detainee.

Add as a preferred source on Google +