A Philippine pastor, Apollo Quiboloy, who was sought by U.S. authorities for child sex trafficking, has been apprehended following a two-week intensive manhunt.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos announced Quiboloy’s arrest on his official Facebook page, though he did not provide additional details.
Quiboloy, who faces human trafficking charges in the Philippines, is known for his controversial role as the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, which claims millions of followers.
The pastor, who has been a prominent supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was charged by the U.S. Justice Department in 2021 with sex trafficking young women and girls, ages 12 to 25
Allegedly forcing them into sexual servitude as personal assistants or “pastorals.”
Brigadier-General Nicolas Torre, the regional police chief overseeing the search, confirmed the arrest during a press briefing.
Torre led the operation at the church’s headquarters in Davao City, where approximately 2,000 police officers were mobilized on August 24 to execute an arrest warrant for Quiboloy.
He did not reveal further specifics about the arrest but praised the coordinated effort, stating, “This is a concerted effort of everyone involved.
