PHILIPPINES Duterte refuses to say where Pastor Quiboloy is hiding

The 74-year-old founder of the Church of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is wanted by the FBI and Philippine police on charges of fraud, human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Former President Rodrigo Duterte received the preacher's support during the 2016 election campaign and now administers the church's assets. The investigation is hampered by complicated relations with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Manila (AsiaNews) – While claiming to know the whereabouts of Apollo Quiboloy, the 74-year-old founder of the Church of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), former President Rodrigo Duterte told reporters on Sunday that he has no plans to inform the police.

Quiboloy, who calls himself “God's chosen son,” is wanted by the FBI for human trafficking, sexual exploitation and fraud against his followers, who are estimated to number four million in the Philippines and two million abroad.

Philippine authorities have also issued arrest warrants for the preacher (who claims to possess supernatural powers and omnipotence), while his supporters in the Philippine Congress are increasingly at odds with those calling for his arrest and conviction.

Like other self-proclaimed pastors, Apollo Quiboloy has maintained close ties to certain politicians; over the years, he has supported different candidates, including Duterte himself, who served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.

Given the current situation, his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has distanced himself from Quiboloy, something Duterte has not done. In the “pastor's” absence, the former president is administering KOJC's properties.

Like the self-proclaimed religious leader, Duterte is originally from Davao, on the island of Mindanao, where he and his daughter, Sara, served as mayor.

Known for his provocations, impulsiveness and authoritarian streak, the former president appears to think he can avoid charges of obstruction of justice and perhaps offer sanctuary to a wanted man because his daughter is still vice president. after resigning on June 19, from the post of Secretary of Education due to disagreements with President Marcos.

Moreover, while KOJC supporters complain about police aggressiveness during searches, Duterte continues to support law enforcement, reiterating his hostility to disciplinary measures in cases of abuse.

This has reinforced the former president's sense of impunity, despite Philippine police saying they would investigate Duterte's role in obstructing justice.