Key Facts About Megachurch Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s Child-Sex Trafficking Allegations

In a major police operation early Saturday morning, over 2,000 Philippine National Police officers stormed the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, Philippines, executing a warrant for the arrest of the group’s leader, Apollo Quiboloy, and four other members on charges of child abuse and human trafficking. Clad in riot gear and armed, the police conducted the raid amidst intense scrutiny.

Quiboloy and his followers vehemently deny the charges, with the KOJC’s attorney questioning the warrant’s legality. Despite these objections, the police advised the organization to file a formal complaint if they believed the warrant or its execution was improper.

The FBI also wants Quiboloy in the United States for his alleged involvement in a labor trafficking scheme. According to the FBI, Quiboloy and his associates used fraudulently obtained visas to bring church members to the U.S., forcing them to solicit donations under pretenses. These donations were reportedly used to fund the lavish lifestyles of church leaders. Additionally, there are serious allegations that women were coerced into serving Quiboloy as personal assistants, a role that allegedly included being forced into sexual activities labeled as “night duty.”

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who oversees KOJC’s frozen assets, criticized the police action, claiming that they forcibly entered the compound and accused them of political harassment and abuse of authority. Following the raid, 18 KOJC members were arrested for obstructing justice, prompting the organization to announce plans to file complaints against the police.