Preacher wanted by FBI on sex crime charges evades Philippine police as followers resist in dayslong standoff

CNN —

A violent standoff between Philippine police and followers of a fugitive preacher wanted by both the FBI and local law enforcement on sexual abuse and human trafficking charges entered a fourth day on Tuesday as nearly 2,000 officers surrounded a sprawling church compound.

Pastor Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, a self-styled “appointed son of God” and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, has been on the run for at least three years.

A 2021 US indictment accuses the 74-year-old preacher and his alleged accomplices of running a sex trafficking ring that coerced girls and young women to have sex with him under threats of “eternal damnation.”

Quiboloy, who has denied all the charges against him, is believed by Philippine police to be hiding inside a 30-hectare (75 acre) compound that includes a cathedral, a college, a bunker and a taxiway leading to Davao International Airport.

Police have been attempting to arrest the preacher and five of his alleged accomplices in a raid that began on Saturday in the city in southern Philippines. But they have met fierce and at times violent resistance from his followers, who allegedly threw stones at officers and blocked a highway with burning tires, Davao police said on Facebook.

A 51-year-old Quiboloy follower reportedly died of a heart attack on Saturday. Police said his death was not related to the operation.

Police fired tear gas late Sunday as they tried to disperse the crowd. At least six officers have been injured and at least 18 people arrested during the dayslong standoff, police said.

Photos released by police on Monday showed officers with bloodied faces and wearing bandages receiving treatment for their injuries.

Police Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who is