‘Owner of the universe’ megachurch preacher caught after secret bunker hunt

Philippines police say they have arrested Apollo Quiboloy, who is accused of trafficking children, fraud and money laundering

A televangelist preacher accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking has been caught after months of evading arrest in the Philippines.
Apollo Quiboloy, who proclaims he is the “owner of the universe” and the “appointed son of god”, was thought to be hiding in a secret underground bunker in a compound owned by his religious sect, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Over the past two weeks, more than 2,000 police officers searched the 75-acre compound in Davao city, even bringing in drilling equipment. Their raid sparked days-long clashes between Mr Quiboloy’s supporters and riot police.
Benjamin Abalos Jr, the interior secretary, wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “Apollo Quiboloy has been caught.” He gave no details of how or where Mr Quiboloy was arrested.
Nicolas Torre, the police chief who led the manhunt in Davao, also confirmed Mr Quiboloy’s arrest. He told local reporters he had been informed that the preacher had surrendered.
Mr Quiboloy, 74, is wanted in both the Philippines and the US. In 2021, the US department of justice charged him with sexual trafficking of children and other serious crimes including fraud and coercion, money laundering and bulk cash smuggling.
Prosecutors alleged he had sex with women and underage girls, threatening them with abuse and “eternal damnation” if they refused.
A Philippine court had ordered the arrest of Mr Quiboloy and several others on suspicion of child and sexual abuse.
Mr Quiboloy and his lawyer have denied the criminal allegations against him and his religious group, saying they were fabricated by critics and former members who were kicked out.
The evangelist preacher is followed by millions of people in the Philippines, where preachers can influence politics. He is a long-time friend of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the incumbent president, had urged Mr Quiboloy to surrender. 
Mr Quiboloy claims to have set up the Kingdom of Jesus Christ after hearing God whisper to him “I will use you” while attending an event led by Billy Graham, the American pastor, in 1973.
He grew his following through radio, televangelism and social media.
His sect’s compound includes a cathedral, a stadium, a school, a hangar and a taxiway leading to the neighbouring international airport.