MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine court has ordered the arrest of celebrity preacher Apollo Quiboloy, who is already in detention and wanted by the United States, in connection with a separate criminal case, officials said. The warrant adds to the legal pressures facing the influential televangelist, who leads the Kingdom of Jesus Christ movement and has a sizable following. Quiboloy is currently held on charges including child abuse and human trafficking, and Washington has separately sought his transfer over alleged offenses there. Authorities did not immediately detail the new case underlying the latest arrest order, and his legal representatives have not issued a public response.
Malacañang denied that the timing of the warrant is connected to US President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to Manila next week, insisting the judiciary acted independently. Critics have questioned whether the renewed legal action could be politically sensitive given Quiboloy’s ties to former president Rodrigo Duterte and his movement’s public support for Duterte’s allies. Officials stressed that court processes follow their own schedule and are not coordinated with diplomatic events. The case is expected to draw scrutiny as Manila balances its alliance with Washington against domestic political alignments.
Independent reporting synthesized from primary wires and global correspondents.