Apollo Quiboloy Arrested: The Dark Side Of The Self-Proclaimed ‘Appointed Son of God’

Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), was arrested in the Philippines after a two-week manhunt. The 74-year-old faces serious charges, including child sex trafficking and human trafficking, stemming from a 2021 U.S. indictment.

Quiboloy founded KOJC in 1985, transforming it into a powerful religious organization with millions of followers worldwide. His influence extended into politics, where he was a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, earning a reputation as a “spiritual kingmaker.” However, beneath this facade of piety lies a disturbing reality of abuse and exploitation.

According to U.S. prosecutors, Quiboloy allegedly coerced young women and minors, some as young as 12, into becoming “pastorals”—personal assistants who were expected to fulfill his every need, including sexual favors. These encounters, termed “night duty,” were enforced through threats of spiritual damnation. Victims who resisted faced severe punishments, including physical abuse and isolation at a remote location known as “Prayer Mountain.”

The scope of Quiboloy’s alleged crimes extended beyond the Philippines. Reports indicate that his operations involved trafficking women and children across borders, using fraudulent visas to bring church members to the United States. There, they were forced to solicit donations for a fake charity, with the proceeds enriching Quiboloy and his associates.

Despite being placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, Quiboloy maintained a public presence until his recent arrest. Philippine authorities conducted a massive operation involving nearly 2,000 police officers to capture him at his Davao City compound, which includes a sprawling 75-acre estate. Following his surrender, Quiboloy was transferred to Manila, where he faces multiple charges.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that Quiboloy would not receive special treatment and emphasized the importance of upholding the judicial process. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to draw attention, highlighting the intersection of faith, power, and exploitation within Quiboloy’s religious empire.