RAAP—049
APPOINTED SON OF GOD
Pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy is a high-profile Filipino televangelist and the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), a Davao-based religious organization that claims millions of followers. He is also known for his long-standing ties to powerful political figures, including former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.
Quiboloy is currently facing multiple criminal cases in both the Philippines and the United States. He has been indicted in the U.S. on charges including sex trafficking of women and minors, labor trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. U.S. prosecutors allege that members of his church were coerced into soliciting donations in the United States and that selected female followers, some as young as 12, were abused under threats of spiritual harm. If convicted, several of these charges carry the possibility of life imprisonment.
The FBI lists Quiboloy on its “Most Wanted” page for human trafficking–related offenses and describes him as a fugitive sought on federal charges.
In 2024, Philippine police and military units moved to detain Quiboloy at the KOJC compound in Davao City. The operation escalated into a prolonged standoff, with hundreds of his supporters forming human barricades and blocking access roads around KOJC grounds. Authorities ultimately took him into custody after days of siege operations involving thousands of security personnel. He was then transported to Metro Manila to face local complaints that include child abuse and trafficking.
After his arrest, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly stated that Quiboloy would first answer cases in the Philippines. Marcos also indicated that while the United States has an active case against Quiboloy, any extradition question depends on formal legal process and is not immediate. Philippine officials have acknowledged U.S. interest but have emphasized domestic prosecution as the current priority.
Quiboloy is currently facing multiple criminal cases in both the Philippines and the United States. He has been indicted in the U.S. on charges including sex trafficking of women and minors, labor trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. U.S. prosecutors allege that members of his church were coerced into soliciting donations in the United States and that selected female followers, some as young as 12, were abused under threats of spiritual harm. If convicted, several of these charges carry the possibility of life imprisonment.
The FBI lists Quiboloy on its “Most Wanted” page for human trafficking–related offenses and describes him as a fugitive sought on federal charges.
In 2024, Philippine police and military units moved to detain Quiboloy at the KOJC compound in Davao City. The operation escalated into a prolonged standoff, with hundreds of his supporters forming human barricades and blocking access roads around KOJC grounds. Authorities ultimately took him into custody after days of siege operations involving thousands of security personnel. He was then transported to Metro Manila to face local complaints that include child abuse and trafficking.
After his arrest, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly stated that Quiboloy would first answer cases in the Philippines. Marcos also indicated that while the United States has an active case against Quiboloy, any extradition question depends on formal legal process and is not immediate. Philippine officials have acknowledged U.S. interest but have emphasized domestic prosecution as the current priority.