Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. in Dubai on September 8, 2024. EXPAT MEDIA

Philippine Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. had to cut short his official visit to Dubai on Sunday (September 8) following the arrest of fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Abalos proceeded with his scheduled town hall meeting at the Pullman City Centre Deira, arriving in the emirate just two hours before the event. He was joined by Philippine National Police Chief General Rommel Marbil and prominent Filipino leaders, including Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver and Philippine Consul General Marford Angeles. Officers and members of the Filipino Social Club and Philippine Business Council Dubai were also present. During the meeting, Abalos announced Quiboloy's arrest, revealing that the pastor is now in custody. Quiboloy has been transported to the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. The embattled religious leader faces numerous charges in the US and the Philippines, including human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors. “I have to fly back to Manila tonight after this event to present him to the public in a press conference,” said Abalos, who also initially disclosed Quiboloy's capture through a Facebook photo that he captioned: “Nahuli na po si Apollo Quiboloy (Quiboloy has been caught).” Quiboloy's lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, in a statement, said that the religious leader “voluntarily surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, specifically the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces, or ISAFP.” Quiboloy has been evading US authorities since his indictment on sex trafficking and other charges. His arrest is expected to intensify the ongoing legal proceedings, with the possibility of extradition to the US. Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc., has been a fugitive since US authorities indicted him on multiple charges, including sex trafficking, fraud, and conspiracy. Despite being on the run, Quiboloy remained a powerful figure in the Philippines, frequently making headlines for his political influence and controversial claims, including his self-declared status as the “Appointed Son of God.” Meanwhile, Abalos announced his plan to return to Dubai later in the week to oversee the extradition of a Filipino suspect wanted for the sexual exploitation of 120 children. The Filipino was recently arrested in Dubai with the assistance of UAE and Singaporean authorities, Abalos said. PIA/Expat Media
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