Filipino televangelist pleads not guilty to child abuse charges

Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, a prominent Filipino televangelist, has pleaded not guilty to serious charges of child abuse and human trafficking during a court arraignment in Manila. The 74-year-old preacher, who claims to be the 'anointed son of God,' was brought to court under heavy security alongside four co-accused. Quiboloy's legal team asserts his innocence, while he has requested hospital detention due to unspecified health issues. The case marks a significant downfall for a man once regarded as a powerful religious leader and political influencer. The allegations against Quiboloy include recruiting young followers with promises of scholarships and travel, only to exploit them for forced labor and sexual abuse. Victims, some as young as 12, were reportedly coerced into performing sexual acts under threats of violence and manipulation. Testimonies from former followers, including a Ukrainian woman, have emerged, detailing the abuses and the environment of fear within Quiboloy's religious group. In addition to facing charges in the Philippines, Quiboloy is also wanted in the United States, where he has been indicted for similar offenses. The U.S. authorities are expected to seek his extradition, but Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that Quiboloy must first face justice in his home country. This situation highlights the complexities of legal proceedings involving influential religious figures and the potential for international legal ramifications. As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the intersection of faith, power, and accountability. The testimonies of alleged victims and the ongoing investigations may lead to further revelations about the extent of the abuses and the mechanisms of control employed by Quiboloy and his associates. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both the victims and the broader religious community in the Philippines.