Philippines ‘Son of God’ Priest Pleads Not Guilty to Child Abuse and Trafficking Charges

By Mikhail Flores

MANILA – Celebrity pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who refers to himself as the "Appointed Son of God," pleaded not guilty on Friday to multiple criminal charges, including the sexual abuse of a child, during arraignments in two different courts, according to his lawyer.

Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church, which claims to have six million followers globally, arrived at the heavily secured Pasig court wearing a bulletproof helmet and vest. Before being escorted into the courtroom, he encouraged his supporters to "stay strong."

"He is innocent," his attorney, Israelito Torreon, stated to the media following the first arraignment. Quiboloy also entered a not guilty plea to the sexual abuse charges via videoconference at a Quezon City court.

The 74-year-old pastor has a longstanding relationship with former president Rodrigo Duterte and is listed among the most wanted individuals by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation due to indictments for sexual abuse, human trafficking, and other offenses.

Currently, he will remain in police custody, officials confirmed.

Quiboloy was apprehended on Sunday at the KOJC’s extensive compound in Davao City after a weeks-long police operation. Following his arrest, several additional individuals emerged with allegations of sexual abuse against him.

Joahna Paula Domingo, a co-counsel for one of the alleged victims, expressed confidence in a statement, saying, "It is our firm belief that the truth regarding the alleged criminal acts of Apollo C. Quiboloy and his co-accused will ultimately be disclosed."

Domingo also noted, "These cases have been filed since 2019, and we have long been seeking justice for the complainant."

Ahead of Quiboloy’s arraignment, the KOJC released a statement asserting that its "cardinal rule" is that members are "not forced to do anything against their will."