The abuse they endured shows an alarming pattern of manipulation and exploitation,” Philippine police chief General Francisco Marbil said in a statement. The statement did not say how many people had come forward. The pastor has denied wrongdoing and his lawyers, Ferdinand Topacio and Israelito Torreon, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Quiboloy is a longtime friend of Rodrigo Duterte, who was Philippines’ president until two years ago and frequently appeared on the pastor’s television shows. Marbil urged victims who were suffering in silence to come forward and assured them protection.

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Persons: Apollo Quiboloy, “, ” Quiboloy, Quiboloy, Aaron Favila, Francisco Marbil, Marbil, Ferdinand Topacio, of Jesus Christ, Rodrigo Duterte, Duterte, ” Organizations: MANILA — Police, Israelito, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Quiboloy Locations: MANILA, Philippines, United States, Israelito Torreon, of, Davao City, Quiboloy