A tense standoff has gripped the Philippines as thousands of police officers converged on a sprawling religious compound, seeking the arrest of influential pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

The self-proclaimed “appointed Son of God,” Quiboloy is charged with several crimes in addition to running a child sex trafficking ring.

Late on Saturday, heavily armed officers raided the 75-acre Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) estate, which is home to a hangar, a school, and a cathedral.

They were met with resistance from hundreds of Quiboloy’s devoted followers, who blocked roads and engaged in clashes with police, leading to reports of tear gas being deployed. “I am not hiding from the charges because I am guilty. That’s not true. I am just protecting myself,” Quiboloy previously stated, maintaining his innocence.

Authorities have pledged not to leave until Quiboloy is captured and think he may be hiding somewhere inside the compound, possibly in an underground bunker. Within the KOJC, the pastor commands a following of seven million people. Over the years, the pastor has developed considerable political power, most notably by acting as a spiritual advisor to former President Rodrigo Duterte.

However, Quiboloy’s political capital has waned since Duterte’s departure from office in 2022, paving the way for authorities to pursue charges against him. Allegations against Quiboloy include trafficking his followers to the US to solicit donations for fraudulent charities and coercing female followers, some underage, into sexual acts under the guise of religious duty.

Quiboloy’s wanted poster was released by the US FBI in January 2022, and arrest warrants have been issued for him by US and Philippine courts. Quiboloy’s defenders insist the charges are false attempts to bring him down and maintain their faith in his innocence in the face of increasing legal pressure. (BBC)

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