Philippine president vows fairness in pastor Quiboloy case

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has assured that Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent evangelist preacher, will not receive any preferential treatment following his recent arrest. Quiboloy, who is facing serious charges including child and sexual abuse, as well as human trafficking, was apprehended after a lengthy manhunt that concluded over the weekend. He is also wanted in the United States for sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling. The president emphasized the importance of upholding the judicial system in the Philippines, stating that Quiboloy's rights will be respected during the legal process. Quiboloy, who claims to be the “son of god” and has a significant following, had been evading authorities since arrest warrants were issued against him in April. His lawyer contended that Quiboloy surrendered voluntarily to avoid escalating the situation, contradicting police reports that suggested he was captured during a raid on his church compound in Davao City. The police had deployed over 2,000 officers to locate him, suspecting he was hiding in a bunker within the complex. Despite the serious allegations, Quiboloy has denied all charges and has not cooperated with a Senate investigation into his church's alleged abuses. His legal team has reportedly set conditions for his surrender, including a demand that he not be extradited to the U.S. However, President Marcos rejected these conditions, asserting that a fugitive cannot dictate terms. The case has drawn significant attention due to Quiboloy's connections with former President Rodrigo Duterte and the implications of the charges against him. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching effects on the judicial system's credibility and the treatment of high-profile individuals in the Philippines.