The Department of Justice (DOJ) will evaluate the United States’ request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, as authorities review documents supporting the case.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Friday that the DOJ has received the “voluminous records” related to the extradition request, which the US Department of State transmitted through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Castro said the request will undergo evaluation before authorities decide how to proceed.
“Sa ngayon, ang paghiling ng US government para sa extradition ni Pastor Quiboloy upang malitis doon sa US para sa kasong sex trafficking, visa fraud, bulk cash smuggling, among others, ay isang bagay na dapat na pag-isipan, ma-evaluate, ma-assess at ma-resolba sa tamang panahon para makamtan ang pinakamataas na antas ng hustisya – hustisya para sa mga ‘di umanong biktima rito at sa US at pati na rin sa akusado,” Castro said.
The US request stems from Quiboloy’s 2021 indictment in California on charges that include sex trafficking of minors, visa fraud, and bulk cash smuggling.
The Philippines and the US are bound by a 1994 extradition treaty, which includes provisions allowing the temporary surrender of a person facing prosecution or serving a sentence in the requested country.
If extradition is granted, Quiboloy would remain in US custody while his case is being heard and would be returned to the Philippines after the proceedings, subject to the terms of the treaty.
Quiboloy was arrested in September 2024 and remains detained at the Pasig City Jail while facing separate charges in the Philippines, including qualified human trafficking and child abuse.
He has denied the allegations against him.
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