A Philippine court ordered the arrest of Kiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, on charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse of women.
Apollo Quiboloy is an evangelical Christian preacher and an old friend of former President Duterte. Kiboloy calls himself the “Owner of the Universe” and the “ordained Son of God.” He has millions of followers in the Philippines. Church leaders like him wield considerable influence in Philippine elections.
According to reports, a family court in Davao City, Philippines, ordered his arrest after Kiboloy was indicted by the Philippine Justice Department last month.
Kiboloy’s lawyer did not respond to media inquiries. Representatives for Duterte also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Kiboloy is also a fugitive wanted by the FBI. The U.S. Department of Justice accused him in 2021 of sex trafficking, coercing young women aged 12 to 25 to work as personal assistants and having sex with him, but he denied these charges.
Apollo Quiboloy is an evangelical Christian preacher and an old friend of former President Duterte. Kiboloy calls himself the “Owner of the Universe” and the “ordained Son of God.” He has millions of followers in the Philippines. Church leaders like him wield considerable influence in Philippine elections.
According to reports, U.S. law enforcement authorities also alleged that Kiboloy forced believers to “raise money for fake charities.” The money was ultimately used to fund church operations and support the luxurious lifestyles of church leaders.
According to Rappler’s investigation, in addition to buying properties in Davao, Kiboloy and the church he leads, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, also own three properties in the United States and Canada worth a total of US$6.1 million (approximately S$8.25 million). of real estate.
The Philippine judiciary said the victim’s “ongoing legal battle has made the seriousness of her allegations more clear and credible”.