A significant law enforcement operation unfolded in Davao City, Philippines, on August 17, 2024, as hundreds of police officers descended upon a vast religious compound. The target of this extensive raid was Apollo Quiboloy, a local preacher facing accusations of sexual abuse and human trafficking.
The operation focused on the headquarters of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, a religious group founded by Quiboloy in 1985. The compound, spanning approximately 30 hectares (75 acres), houses various facilities including a cathedral, school, living quarters, and even a private airstrip connected to Davao International Airport, the third busiest airport in the Philippines.
Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, who led the operation, explained the necessity for such a large-scale deployment:
"We won't leave here until we get him. We have no-bail warrants for Quiboloy and four others for very grave crimes, including human trafficking, child abuse and other cases."
The raid highlights the complex intersection of religion, politics, and law enforcement in the Philippines, a nation of over 110 million people spread across more than 7,000 islands. Christianity is the dominant faith in the country, with about 86% of the population identifying as Christian.
Quiboloy, who claims to be the "appointed son of God," has been a controversial figure for years. In 2019, he made headlines by asserting that he had prevented a major earthquake in the southern Philippines, a region that is part of the seismically active "Ring of Fire."
The preacher's legal troubles extend beyond national borders. In 2021, U.S. federal prosecutors indicted Quiboloy on charges including sex trafficking of children, fraud, and money laundering. These allegations have cast a shadow over his religious organization and its activities.
The case has also drawn attention to Quiboloy's connections with political figures. He was known to be a close supporter and spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte, who served from 2016 to 2022. Duterte's administration was marked by a controversial anti-drug campaign that drew international scrutiny and led to an ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002.
Current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in 2022, has publicly called for Quiboloy to surrender and face the legal process. This stance underscores the ongoing efforts to address allegations of misconduct by influential figures in Philippine society.
The raid on the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound also brings to light the broader issues of law enforcement and human rights in the Philippines. The Philippine National Police, established in 1991, faces the challenge of balancing effective crime-fighting with respect for civil liberties.
As the search for Quiboloy continues, this case serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between religious institutions, political power, and the justice system in the Philippines. It also highlights the country's ongoing efforts to address serious crimes and maintain the rule of law, even when confronting influential and well-connected individuals.