The 39th anniversary celebration of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) was disrupted today as Philippine National Police (PNP) forces cordoned off the religious group’s cathedral.
The KOJC had previously requested permission to use the cathedral for their anniversary but the PNP proceeded with the raid as part of an ongoing manhunt for fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Quiboloy, the founder and leader of the KOJC, is facing multiple charges in the United States, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Quiboloy coerced young girls into performing sexual acts with him and forced followers to work long hours without pay.
The KOJC, founded in 1983, is a charismatic Christian denomination with a significant following in the Philippines. The group’s teachings emphasize prosperity and healing, and it operates various charitable initiatives, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages.
Authorities have searched approximately 40-50% of the KOJC compound in an attempt to serve the warrant of arrest for Quiboloy.