MANILA, Sept 9 (Askume) – An influential Filipino preacher has been arrested on charges of sex trafficking and exploitation, authorities said on Sunday.
Self-proclaimed “Master of the Universe” and “Appointed Son of God” Apollo Quiboloy is wanted on child, sexual abuse and human trafficking charges . He denies wrongdoing.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said on his Facebook page that “Apollo Quiboloy has been apprehended.” He did not disclose how or where he was arrested.
The pastor is also on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list on charges of sex trafficking and smuggling large amounts of cash , but has denied any wrongdoing.
More than 2,000 police officers were deployed last month to search for Kipoloye amid suspicions that he was hiding in a bunker of the Kingdom Church of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
Philippine police spokesman Gene Fajardo confirmed to reporters on Sunday that Quiboloy was arrested on the campus but gave no further details.
Fajardo said Quiboloy and four other co-defendants flew to the capital region on a military plane Sunday night after surrendering to authorities. The five were detained at a detention center within the national police headquarters.
“At around 1:30 pm (0530 GMT) we negotiated his surrender because we gave him a 24-hour ultimatum,” Fajardo told reporters.
Millions have followed in Kipoloy’s footsteps in the Philippines, where church leaders wield considerable political influence. He is a longtime friend of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
