Philippine President Vows No Special Treatment for Arrested Evangelist Quiboloy

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced that evangelist preacher Apollo Quiboloy, arrested on charges of child sexual abuse and human trafficking, will receive no special treatment. Quiboloy, also wanted in the U.S., surrendered voluntarily. Marcos emphasized that the Philippine judicial system will handle the case fairly.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared on Monday that evangelist preacher Apollo Quiboloy will receive no special treatment following his arrest. This arrest comes after a prolonged police search for Quiboloy, who faces charges of child sexual abuse, human trafficking, and allegations of sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling across the Philippines and the U.S.

Quiboloy, who claims to be the 'owner of the universe' and the 'appointed son of god,' has millions of followers in the Philippines and has a close relationship with former president Rodrigo Duterte. Despite rejecting all charges, he surrendered to authorities to avoid further escalation. Marcos assured that Quiboloy will be treated like any arrested individual, stressing the strength and vibrancy of the Philippine judicial system.

More than 2,000 police officers were involved in the search of Quiboloy's extensive compound in Davao City. Although Quiboloy's lawyer insisted that he surrendered, the police described the operation as 'police work at its best.' Quiboloy's judicial process will proceed in the Philippines before any discussions of extradition to the U.S., based on the country's extradition treaty.

(With inputs from agencies.)