In 2021, an expanded U.S. indictment accused him of multiple crimes, including sexual misconduct with women and underage girls, as well as sex trafficking by force. He faces similar criminal charges in the Philippines, where he went into hiding earlier this year.
On Sunday, the 74-year-old preacher and four co-defendants surrendered in his religious stronghold in the south, surrounded by heavily armed police. The following day, they were presented to the media in orange detainee uniforms and face coverings, with top officials emphasizing on nationwide TV that “no one is above the law.”
How Did Quiboloy Acquire Such Influence and Power?
Quiboloy's influence began to rise in 1985 when he established the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, which would later claim a membership of 6 million people, predominantly Filipino, across approximately 200 countries, including the United States. Details on how Quiboloy amassed the wealth necessary to build his empire remain unclear. His empire included what many considered his actual stronghold in Davao—a 30-hectare (75-acre) estate featuring a cathedral, a large stadium, and an aircraft hangar with a taxiway connected to Davao’s international airport. Additionally, he founded a TV and radio network and established religious charities both in the Philippines and abroad, which further bolstered his image as a prominent televangelist.
At the height of his influence, candidates would travel to Davao seeking his endorsement for their electoral campaigns. During the 2016 presidential elections, Quiboloy supported Duterte, a close friend and spiritual adviser. Duterte frequently appeared with Quiboloy on the televangelist’s TV and radio programs, where he openly discussed his aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.
The killings of thousands of predominantly impoverished drug suspects under Duterte’s administration have faced condemnation from Western governments and human rights organizations, and are under investigation by the International Criminal Court as potential crimes against humanity. While Duterte has denied authorizing these killings, he has openly threatened drug dealers with death.
Quiboloy has made controversial claims that have raised doubts about his character but have also solidified his appeal among his fervent followers. In 2019, he claimed to have prevented a major earthquake from striking the southern Philippines.
**What Charges Is Quiboloy Facing?**
In 2021, U.S. federal prosecutors filed charges against Quiboloy, accusing him of engaging in sexual activities with women and underage girls who were allegedly threatened with abuse and “eternal damnation” if they did not comply with his demands. These allegations were brought forward by former followers of Quiboloy.
The expanded indictment includes a broad range of charges such as conspiracy, sex trafficking of minors, sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, marriage fraud, money laundering, cash smuggling, and visa fraud.
Quiboloy and eight co-defendants are accused of participating in a labor trafficking scheme that involved bringing church members to the U.S. with fraudulently obtained visas. They allegedly forced these members to solicit donations for a fictitious charity, with the funds being used to support church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders.
The indictment also alleges that they recruited women and girls, typically aged 12 to 25, to serve as “pastorals.” These individuals were responsible for cooking, cleaning, massaging, and traveling with Quiboloy, some of whom were reportedly required to engage in sexual activities with him during scheduled “night duty,” including minors such as a 15-year-old girl.
A federal arrest warrant for Quiboloy was issued in November 2021, leading to his placement on the FBI’s most-wanted list, with his image featured on the agency’s fugitive posters.
In the Philippines, Quiboloy faces charges for violating laws aimed at protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination in one court, and human trafficking in another, following complaints from former followers.
Quiboloy, his co-accused, and their legal representatives deny all allegations, claiming they are prepared to address the charges in court. They argue that the numerous accusations are fabricated by critics and former members who were expelled from his religious group.
Earlier this year, Quiboloy went into hiding after a Philippine court issued arrest warrants against him and several others on suspicion of child and sexual abuse and human trafficking. Additionally, the Philippine Senate ordered his arrest for failing to appear at public committee hearings investigating criminal allegations against him.
**How Was He Captured and What Happens Next?**
On August 24, more than 2,000 police officers, supported by riot squads, conducted a dramatic raid on Quiboloy’s religious complex in Davao. The operation faced significant disruptions, including protests from his followers who decried the raid as excessive and defended his innocence. The raid, which utilized advanced police equipment to detect individuals hiding in underground tunnels, drew criticism from Duterte and his family.
The breakthrough in locating Quiboloy came on Sunday when police issued a 24-hour ultimatum for him to surrender or face another raid on a Bible school building where he was suspected to be hiding. Before the deadline, Quiboloy and four others surrendered and were flown to Manila, where they are now held in a heavily secured detention facility at police headquarters.
“He could no longer bear the suffering of his followers and chose to surrender,” said Quiboloy’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon.
Quiboloy and his co-accused were briefly shown to the press on Monday, but the televangelist, known for his lengthy sermons, did not speak. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and national police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized that the arrest of such an influential figure underscores that in the Philippines, “no one is above the law.”
The United States is expected to request the extradition of Quiboloy and his co-defendants. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that they must first face justice in the Philippines. He assured that Quiboloy would be treated like any other detainee and would receive no special treatment.
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