Mega-church leader arrested in the Philippines.
Apollo Quiboloy is a controversial Filipino televangelist and religious leader who founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church in 1985. Born on April 25, 1950, in Davao City, Philippines, Quiboloy grew up in a religious family and was involved with the United Pentecostal Church in his early years.
Rise to Prominence
Quiboloy gained notoriety as the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and built a significant following in the Philippines. He established the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), a broadcasting network that helped spread his message. His influence extended beyond religious circles, as he developed close ties with political figures, including former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
Legal Troubles
In recent years, Quiboloy has faced serious legal allegations:
- Sex Trafficking Charges: The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) placed Quiboloy on its Most Wanted list. He was indicted in the Central District of California for various crimes, including sex trafficking and fraud.
- Hawaii Allegations: Some of the charges against Quiboloy stem from alleged activities in Hawaii. These include accusations of forcing church members to solicit donations and subjecting them to physical and sexual abuse.
- Philippine Warrant: On March 19, 2024, the Philippine Senate issued an arrest warrant for Quiboloy after he refused to cooperate with government inquiries into alleged human rights violations.
Current Status
As of September 11, 2024, Quiboloy was arrested by Philippine authorities on September 8, 2024. The Department of the Interior and Local Government had previously offered a substantial bounty for information leading to his capture.These serious allegations have cast a shadow over Quiboloy’s religious empire and raised questions about the exploitation of followers within his organization.
