'No special treatment' for self-proclaimed 'son of god' preacher wanted by FBI after Philippines arrest

9 September 2024, 19:54 | Updated: 9 September 2024, 22:35

A preacher followed by millions of people around the world will get no special treatment after his arrest in the Philippines, the country's president has said.

Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed "owner of the universe" and "appointed son of god", is wanted by the FBI in the US on charges of sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling.

The super-church preacher was also wanted in the Philippines before his arrest on Sunday.

More than 2,000 police officers were involved in the search for the evangelist before he was caught.

He was found hiding after the weeks-long search inside a "Bible school" at the sprawling compound in the southern city of Davao owned by his church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), according to local police.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday that Quiboloy, a longtime friend of former president Rodrigo Duterte, would get "no special treatment".

President Marcos said: "We will treat him like any other arrested person and respect his rights.

"We will demonstrate once again that our judicial system in the Philippines is active, vibrant and working."

Quiboloy also appeared in front of the media on Monday.

But despite being known for his long sermons, the 74-year-old televangelist made no comment.

Former president Mr Duterte and his family had criticised a massive raid on the preacher's religious complex in Davao on 24 August, which included police equipment that could detect people hiding in underground tunnels.

Quiboloy's lawyer, Israelito Torreon, said the pastor surrendered to the police and military because he did not want the situation to further escalate.

"The innocence of Quiboloy will be affirmed by the court," Mr Torreon told DZBB radio.

Benjamin Abalos Jr, the interior minister, said the government was looking to file charges against people who helped Quiboloy evade arrest.

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President Marcos said Quiboloy's camp had set conditions for his surrender, including a guarantee he would not be sent to the US to face charges.

"Putting conditions is not an option for someone who is a fugitive," the president said, describing the operation to capture Quiboloy as "police work at its best".

"It is with some relief that I can say that this phase of the operation is over. We will now leave Quiboloy to the judicial system," he said.

The Philippines' Department of Justice acknowledged the country's extradition treaty with the US but said Quiboloy will first face trial and serve any sentence in the Philippines before any extradition request is granted.

(c) Sky News 2024: 'No special treatment' for self-proclaimed 'son of god' preacher wanted by FBI after Philippines arrest