As 2024 draws to a close, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy remains a dominant figure, shaping both the religious and social landscape of the Philippines and beyond. Known for his devoted followers and ongoing legal battles, this year saw his influence and controversies continue to captivate and divide public opinion.
Who is Apollo Quiboloy?
Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), saw his global following grow, even as critics intensified accusations that continue to haunt his reputation.
As a self-proclaimed "appointed son of God," Quiboloy's sermons draw thousands. Still, his rise has been marred by allegations of financial misconduct, human trafficking, and sexual abuse, casting a shadow over his spiritual claims.
Quiboloy is also listed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's wanted list for his alleged involvement in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States using fraudulent visas.
The members were reportedly forced to solicit donations for a fake charity, with the funds being used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders.
Amid legal challenges, Quiboloy has firmly maintained his innocence, with supporters arguing that the charges against him are politically motivated.
Accountability Quest
The doomsday preacher was summoned to both the House of Representatives and the Senate this year to answer questions regarding investigations into cases and situations involving his name.
Quiboloy remained undeterred and continued to skip the investigations, citing various reasons, particularly concerns about his security.
Due to his absence at a hearing regarding the legislative franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), a House panel issued a subpoena to the religious leader.
Similarly, the Senate issued an arrest order against Quiboloy for "unjustifiably refusing to appear, despite receiving due notices," for the hearings of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee, criticized Pastor Apollo Quiboloy for imposing 17 conditions to attend her panel's probe into the alleged abuses and violence within the KOJC, remarking that his demands were even more excessive than the Ten Commandments.
The hunt for Quiboloy starts
On April 11, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued an arrest order for Quiboloy and five others in connection with charges of alleged qualified human trafficking.
On June 10, over 100 police officers entered the KOJC compound in Davao City and Sarangani Province to serve an arrest warrant for Quiboloy, but they were unable to locate him in the area.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) then offered a ₱10 million reward for information on Quiboloy's whereabouts, along with ₱1 million each for the five other accused.
Quiboloy's camp questioned the reward money and, in response, the KOJC offered ₱20 million to anyone who could reveal the identity of the person who donated the ₱10 million.
On August 8, the Court of Appeals (CA) issued a broad freeze order on the financial assets and properties of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy, along with several individuals and entities linked to him.
On August 24, officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 11 carried out a manhunt operation at the KOJC compound in Davao City. Around 2,000 police officers stormed the compound and sealed off all entry and exit points. This marked the second attempt to serve the arrest warrant.
Subsequently, members and supporters of the KOJC held a prayer rally near the entrance of Davao International Airport in connection with the PNP's operation.
Some members complained that their human rights were violated, while reports also emerged of police officers being injured during the operation.
PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil then appealed to what he called the political backers and benefactors of the religious leader to help in the arrest of Quiboloy.
Amid several days of standoff between the police and KOJC members, the court in Davao City issued a "Temporary Protection Order" and directed the PNP to cease their operations within the KOJC compound.
On September 3, the Court of Appeals voided the aforementioned Temporary Protection Order.
After weeks of searching for Quiboloy at the KOJC compound, he fell into the hands of the authorities on September 8, and was detained at the PNP Custodial facility.
The Aftermath: Quiboloy's Arrest
Then-Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos claimed that Quiboloy was arrested, however, Quiboloy's camp maintained that the religious leader voluntarily surrendered and was not apprehended.
Quiboloy's legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, stated that Quiboloy surrendered to avoid further escalation of the situation at the KOJC compound.
The next day of his arrest, Quiboloy was presented to the media at Camp Crame, along with his co-accused. They were seen wearing orange shirts and had their faces covered.
The religious leader requested hospital arrest due to his claimed health conditions, but the request was denied. His petition to transfer custody from the PNP to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was also rejected.
Quiboloy faces the Senate
On October 23, Quiboloy appeared before the Senate for the first time as part of the investigation into alleged abuses linked to him and his religious group.
At the Senate hearing, Quiboloy rejected the allegations leveled against him, including the claims about the so-called "Angels of Death" in his ministry.
Quiboloy’s "bold" bid for the Senate
On October 8, despite being in custody, the pastor filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for a Senate bid in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, with his lawyer, Atty. Mark Tolentino, leading the process.
In line with this, the Workers and Peasants Party (WPP) filed a petition to cancel Quiboloy's Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) following his submission of a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for a Senate bid in the 2025 elections through his lawyer.
However, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) dismissed the nuisance petition filed against Quiboloy.
The Comelec en banc then upheld the decision, allowing Quiboloy to run, stating that there was no basis to exclude him from the 2025 Senate race.
Quiboloy’s medical furlough amid legal turmoil
The court granted Quiboloy a medical furlough to allow for further medical examinations after he was hospitalized due to an irregular heartbeat.
Subsequently, a new medical furlough was granted to Quiboloy after he reportedly developed an infection from a dental procedure, which spread to his jaw.
After his medical furlough, Quiboloy was transferred to the Pasig City Jail Male Dormitory, where he remains detained to this day.
The story of Apollo Quiboloy in 2024 is still unfolding. With ongoing legal battles and his unyielding grip on his followers, it’s clear that this will not be the last time we hear of his name. What remains to be seen is whether his faith-based empire will continue to rise or if the shadows of the past will finally catch up with him.
One thing is certain: the saga of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is far from over, and as we head into 2025, the world will continue to watch with both intrigue and skepticism.
