A tense situation unfolded in the Philippines as police engaged in a standoff with followers of a fugitive preacher wanted on sexual abuse and human trafficking charges. The preacher, Pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, is the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church and has been evading authorities for three years.
An indictment from 2021 in the US accuses Quiboloy of running a sex trafficking ring that coerced girls and young women into having sex with him under threats of 'eternal damnation.' Despite denying the charges, Philippine police believe Quiboloy is hiding within a vast compound that includes various facilities.
Police efforts to arrest Quiboloy and his alleged accomplices have been met with strong resistance from his followers, resulting in injuries to officers and arrests among the crowd. The standoff has persisted for several days, with police determined to capture Quiboloy.
The Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, with a claimed 7 million followers worldwide, operates businesses and media outlets in the Philippines. Quiboloy's close ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte have also come under scrutiny, given his involvement in the church's activities.
The 2021 indictment details allegations of sex trafficking and labor exploitation against Quiboloy and his associates, including the recruitment of young women for sexual purposes and fraudulent visa schemes. Former church members have spoken out against Quiboloy, accusing him of abuse and exploitation.
Despite calls for surrender from Philippine authorities, Quiboloy's lawyer maintains his innocence and plans to counter the charges against him. The situation remains fluid as police continue their efforts to apprehend the preacher.
