The 74-year-old founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church is wanted by the FBI and the Philippine police for fraud, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Former President Rodrigo Duterte benefited from the preacher’s support in the 2016 election campaign and now administers the Church’s properties. The investigation is hampered by complicated relations with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Manila (AsiaNews) – While claiming to know the whereabouts of Apollo Quiboloy, the 74-year-old founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church (KOJC), former President Rodrigo Duterte told reporters on Sunday that he has no intention of telling the police.
A self-proclaimed "chosen son of God," Quiboloy is wanted by the FBI for human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and fraud against followers, who are said to number four million in the Philippines and two million abroad.
Philippine authorities have also issued arrest warrants against the preacher (who claims to possess supernatural powers and omnipotence), while his supporters in the Philippine Congress are increasingly at odds with those who call for his arrest and conviction.
Like other self-proclaimed pastors, Apollo Quiboloy has had close ties with some politicians; over the years, he has backed different candidates, including Duterte himself, who served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.
In light of the current situation, his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has distanced himself from Quiboloy, something Duterte has not done. With the "pastor" missing, the former president administers KOJC properties.
Like the self-proclaimed religious leader, Duterte hails from Davao, on the island of Mindanao, where he and his daughter, Sara, served as mayor.
Known for his provocations, impulsive character, and authoritarian streak, the former president seems to think that he can avoid accusations of obstruction of justice and perhaps provide refuge to a wanted man because his daughter is still vice president after resigning on 19 June from the post of Secretary of Education due to disagreements with President Marcos.
Moreover, while KOJC followers have complained about police aggressiveness in searches, Duterte continues to support law enforcement, reiterating his hostility to disciplinary measures in cases of abuse.
This has reinforced the former president’s sense of impunity, despite the fact that the Philippine police have declared that they would look into Duterte's role in obstructing justice.