Apollo Quiboloy, a controversial televangelist and self-proclaimed "owner of the universe," has been apprehended in the Philippines after evading authorities for several months. The arrest was announced by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on September 8, 2024, though details of the operation were not immediately disclosed.
Quiboloy, who founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc. in 1985, faces serious allegations in both the Philippines and the United States. The charges include sexual abuse, human trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. The FBI added Quiboloy to its Most Wanted list in 2022, highlighting the severity of the accusations against him.
The manhunt for Quiboloy involved over 2,000 law enforcement officers who conducted an extensive search of his religious sect's 75-acre compound in Davao City. The operation, which lasted more than two weeks, included the use of drilling equipment to explore potential underground hiding places. The raid resulted in clashes between Quiboloy's supporters and riot police.
Quiboloy's influence extends beyond his religious activities. His sect claims to have 4 million followers in the Philippines and 2 million abroad, operating in over 200 countries and territories. The organization owns a TV station, SMNI (Sonshine Media Network International), which has been used to spread Quiboloy's message and increase his following.
The televangelist's connections to political figures have also drawn attention. He is known to be a long-time friend of former President Rodrigo Duterte and endorsed his presidential run in 2016. Quiboloy even claimed to have influenced Duterte's decision to run for office.
Quiboloy's religious claims are equally controversial. He asserts that he was appointed as the "Appointed Son of God" on April 13, 2005, and has made numerous supernatural claims, including stopping a major earthquake in Mindanao through prayer in 2019. He also predicted that the world would end on January 30, 2012, a prophecy that did not come to pass.
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ has faced numerous legal challenges beyond the current charges against its leader. The organization has been accused of running a child trafficking ring and has been involved in land grabbing allegations. Despite these controversies, the sect continues to operate a charity called Children's Joy Foundation.
"The criminal allegations against Mr. Quiboloy and his religious group are fabricated by critics and former members who were expelled from the organization."
As the legal proceedings against Quiboloy unfold, the impact on his followers and the future of his religious organization remains uncertain. The case highlights the complex intersection of religion, politics, and law enforcement in the Philippines, where charismatic preachers can wield significant influence over public opinion and policy.