An influential Filipino pastor, Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted in both the Philippines and the United States for child sex trafficking, has been arrested, ending a two-week standoff between police and his followers. Authorities had been attempting to apprehend Quiboloy, who claims to be the “Appointed Son of God,” during a raid on his expansive church compound.

The operation turned violent as clashes erupted between thousands of his followers and anti-riot police, resulting in the death of one church member from a heart attack. Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), which claims to have seven million followers, has denied all charges against him.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Quiboloy with child sex trafficking, fraud, coercion, and bulk cash smuggling. According to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), he trafficked girls and women from the Philippines to the U.S., where they were forced to solicit donations for a fraudulent charity. The FBI also alleged that Quiboloy required his female personal assistants, known as “pastorals,” to engage in sexual activities with him.

Quiboloy gained national prominence in the Philippines under former President Rodrigo Duterte, serving as his spiritual adviser. However, his fortunes changed when Duterte stepped down in June 2022. Filipino authorities subsequently charged Quiboloy with child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking, leading to a warrant for his arrest.