MANILA, Philippines — Apollo Quiboloy, the fugitive televangelist, has been arrested. The announcement came from Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Sunday through a brief post on Facebook. The post, written in Filipino, stated simply, “NAHULI NA PO SI APOLLO QUIBOLOY,” which translates to “Apollo Quiboloy has been caught.”
Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), faced various charges including sexual abuse and child trafficking. The details surrounding his arrest have not yet been disclosed. The arrest concludes a manhunt that lasted several months and involved intensive search operations.
Reports indicate that Quiboloy was taken into custody at the KOJC compound in Davao City. Law enforcement authorities had been concentrating their efforts there since late August. The arrest operation included a significant police presence, with around 2,000 officers involved in the search efforts.
This development follows earlier news that the police had been conducting tunneling activities in the compound. The lawyer for KOJC had criticized these tactics. The police, however, maintained that the measures were necessary to locate and apprehend Quiboloy.
Quiboloy had been a controversial figure, both for his religious influence and for the serious allegations against him. His capture marks a significant step in the legal proceedings that have been building against him.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has yet to release further information regarding the circumstances of Quiboloy’s arrest.
