MANILA, Sept 11 (Askume) – Police in the Philippines said on Wednesday that more people have come forward to accuse celebrity pastor Apollo Quiboloy of sexual abuse . They said the criminal behaviour of a wealthy man and self-proclaimed “appointed son of God” was shocking.
Quiboloy faces multiple charges in the Philippines and the United States, including sex trafficking, money laundering and child abuse, after more than 2,000 security guards searched his 30-hectare (74-acre) church for a week on Sunday. Quiboloy was arrested
Queboloy spent years cultivating his image as a charismatic spiritual leader with divine powers, earning him millions of followers, a lavish lifestyle and powerful friends among the country’s political elite.
“These brave victims have revealed their tragic stories,” Philippine police chief Gen. Francisco Marabil said in a statement. “The abuse they suffered reflects a shocking pattern of deception and exploitation,” he said.
They included girls as young as 12, who were part of a police group called the “Inner Circle Pastoral,” which played a key role in uncovering the full extent of Quiboloy’s alleged crimes, Marabil said.
The statement did not say how many people had come forward.
The priest denied any wrongdoing and his lawyers, Ferdinand Topacio and Israel Torrione, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Kuboloy is also on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, accused of running a prostitution racket .
Marabil said police were verifying information from unidentified victims to strengthen the case against Kiboloy, leader of the Kingdom Church of Jesus Christ in Davao City.
Quiboloy is a longtime friend of Rodrigo Duterte, who became president of the Philippines two years ago, and often appears on the pastor’s television show. Duterte criticized the recent police action to arrest Quiboloy.
Marabil quietly urged victims to come forward and ensure their safety.
He said, “This is just the beginning. We will leave no stone unturned to get justice.”
The Justice Department this week approved an extradition treaty with the United States, but said Cuboloy must be tried and serve his sentence in the Philippines before any extradition request can be approved.
