‘Appointed Son of God’ wanted by FBI; US Embassy says release of wanted poster unrelated to presidential election

DAVAO CITY – The United States Embassy strongly denied allegations made by the lawyer of controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy - who is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation - that the release of the FBI wanted poster of President Duterte’s close friend was meant to interfere in the May polls.

Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ who claimed to be the Appointed Son of God and owner of the Universe, is accused by the FBI of sex trafficking, among other charges.

“The FBI’s release of a wanted poster for Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy follows a multi-year effort by law enforcement. It is unrelated to the Philippines’ ongoing presidential election campaign,” US Embassy in Manila spokesperson Heather Fabrikant told CNN Philippines.

Quiboloy’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio questioned the timing of the release of the posters. “Without going into the merit, the timing of the release of this poster is very suspect. Why did they wait until now when the elections are starting? It doesn't make sense. The only logical reason here is that they are using the closeness of Pastor Quiboloy to President Duterte to indirectly bring Duterte down.”

“Why is it that before President Duterte was president, we didn't hear any accusations like this against Pastor Quiboloy? It was only in 2016 that these trumped-up charges began,” he was quoted as saying.

Quiboloy denied the charges and accusations against him and likened himself to Moses.

In its official website, the FBI said that Quiboloy is wanted for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling. 

“Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, the founder of a Philippines-based church, is wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. Members who proved successful at soliciting for the church allegedly were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States year-round,” the FBI said.

“Furthermore, it is alleged that females were recruited to work as personal assistants, or “pastorals, for Quiboloy and that victims prepared his meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages and were required to have sex with Quiboloy in what the pastorals called night duty,” it added.

The FBI further said that Quiboloy was indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, Santa Ana, California, for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling, and on November 10, 2021, a federal warrant was issued for his arrest.

It also posted this on its website: “Submit a Tip: If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.” (Mindanao Examiner)