Police Raid Philippine Religious Compound Amid Abuse Allegations

Hundreds of police officers raided a religious compound in Davao, Philippines, seeking Apollo Quiboloy, a preacher accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking. During the raid, one supporter died of a heart attack. Despite extensive search efforts, Quiboloy wasn't found. The raid highlights ongoing criminal allegations and past criticisms against Quiboloy and his group.

Hundreds of police officers, backed by riot squads, stormed a vast religious compound in Davao, Philippines, early Saturday morning in search of local preacher Apollo Quiboloy, accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking. According to police officials, the operation aimed to serve arrest warrants for various grave crimes.

A supporter of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ reportedly died of a heart attack during the massive dawn raid, which was livestreamed by a local TV network owned by the group. Police emphasized that the death was unrelated to the operation itself.

Despite deploying equipment designed to detect people behind cement walls, by mid-afternoon authorities had yet to locate Quiboloy within the 30-hectare compound. Quiboloy and his lawyer have consistently denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated by critics and former group members. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged Quiboloy to surrender and assured him of a fair judicial process.

(With inputs from agencies.)