Philippine pastor Apollo Quiboloy pleads 'not guilty' to sex trafficking charges

Apollo Quiboloy, a controversial Filipino pastor and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church, pleaded not guilty on Friday to sex trafficking charges in a high-profile arraignment at the Pasig Regional Trial Court.

Known as the self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God," Quiboloy has faced growing legal challenges both in the Philippines and the United States, where he is accused of a range of serious offenses, including child abuse, sex trafficking, and money laundering.

Quiboloy's attorney, Israelito Torreon, firmly stated after the arraignment, "He is innocent," reiterating their belief that the charges will ultimately be dismissed.

A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for October, where Quiboloy will continue to address the allegations. In addition to sex trafficking charges, the pastor is expected to enter a plea on child abuse charges before a separate court later in the day.

The accusations against Quiboloy have been ongoing since 2019, according to Joahna Paula Domingo, co-counsel for one of the victims.

"We have been seeking justice for the complainant for years now," Domingo said in a statement prior to the court appearance, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the need for resolution.

Quiboloy, along with four co-defendants, was brought to court under heavy security, arriving in a police minibus surrounded by law enforcement.

Wearing an orange detainee shirt, handcuffed, and concealed by a bulletproof vest and helmet, the usually high-profile pastor was nearly unrecognizable. His court appearance follows a weeks-long search of the 30-hectare (74-acre) compound of his church by over 2,000 security personnel, which culminated in his arrest.

Despite the mounting legal pressure, Quiboloy remains a prominent figure in the Philippines, where his church boasts millions of followers.

His influence extends into political circles, as he is a longtime ally of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Upon arriving at court, Quiboloy briefly addressed his followers with the message "tatag lang, tatag lang," encouraging them to "stay strong" as the legal proceedings unfold.

The charges against Quiboloy include allegations of running a sex trafficking operation involving young female church members, some of whom were reportedly forced into sexual acts under the guise of religious service.

These accusations have resulted in both Philippine and U.S. authorities pursuing legal action against the pastor and several of his associates.

This case marks a significant moment in the Philippines, where influential religious leaders have long held sway over public opinion and politics.

The unfolding legal battle against Quiboloy has captured widespread attention, as both his followers and critics await further developments in the high-stakes case.

Quiboloy's legal team has expressed confidence that the truth will emerge in his favor, while advocates for the victims continue to push for justice.

The next phase of the trial is expected to shed more light on the complex network of allegations surrounding the pastor, who has been a polarizing figure both in his home country and internationally