Philippine Pastor Apollo Quiboloy Pleads Not Guilty in High-Profile Sex Trafficking Case

Philippine celebrity pastor Apollo Quiboloy pleaded not guilty to a charge of sex trafficking. His lawyer maintains his innocence. Quiboloy, who faces multiple charges in the Philippines and the U.S., was arraigned in Manila and is expected to appear for a pre-trial hearing in October.

Philippine celebrity pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who declares himself the 'Appointed Son of God,' pleaded not guilty to a sex trafficking charge, according to his lawyer on Friday.

'He is innocent,' stated lawyer Israelito Torreon following the arraignment in Manila. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for October. Quiboloy is also set to enter his plea on child abuse charges later the same day.

'We believe the truth behind the alleged acts of Apollo C. Quiboloy and his co-accused will eventually emerge,' Joahna Paula Domingo, co-counsel for the alleged victim, said in a statement. She noted that the cases were filed in 2019, but justice has been sought since then.

Quiboloy arrived at the arraignment in a police minibus, handcuffed and wearing an orange detainee shirt. He was barely recognizable under a bulletproof helmet and vest. Facing numerous charges including sex trafficking, money laundering, and child abuse, Quiboloy was arrested on Sunday following an extensive search of his church's 30-hectare compound by over 2,000 security personnel.

As Quiboloy entered the court, he responded to a reporter's question with 'tatag lang, tatag lang,' urging his followers to 'stay strong.' Quiboloy commands a vast following in the Philippines, where church leaders significantly influence politics. He is also a longtime friend of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

(With inputs from agencies.)