Apollo Quiboloy arrested in Philippines on sex trafficking charges

Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent pastor in the Philippines and former ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested on charges of sex trafficking. His arrest followed a warrant issued by the Philippine Department of Justice in June, which stemmed from allegations of sex abuse. Quiboloy was believed to be hiding in a bunker at his church's compound in Davao City, where authorities had been conducting operations for two weeks prior to his surrender. The arrest involved a significant police presence, with 3,000 officers deployed to the area. In addition to Quiboloy, five other church members faced charges related to qualified human trafficking and child abuse. The pastor claimed that his legal troubles intensified after the election of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022, alleging a conspiracy between the Marcos administration and U.S. agencies to extradite him. Quiboloy had previously demanded assurances from the government regarding his extradition before agreeing to surrender. The U.S. Department of Justice had charged Quiboloy in 2021 with sex trafficking, involving the exploitation of young women and girls aged 12 to 25, who were allegedly coerced into sexual acts under the guise of serving as personal assistants. This case has drawn significant attention due to Quiboloy's influential status and his connections to high-ranking political figures in the Philippines. The situation highlights ongoing issues of human trafficking and abuse within religious organizations, raising questions about accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for Quiboloy's church and its followers remain uncertain.