US formally seeks extradition of Apollo Quiboloy
Metro Manila, Philippines - The United States has formally requested the extradition of detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing multiple charges, including sex trafficking of children and bulk cash smuggling.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed in a text message to NewsWatch Plus that the US government has transmitted extradition documents to the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ).
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano did not directly confirm nor deny the request, but he explained that Philippine law places limits on extradition when there are ongoing local cases.
“In general, a person cannot be extradited from the Philippines while a criminal case against him is still pending in our courts, since local jurisdiction takes priority,” Clavano explained.
“The rule is that he must first face trial and, if convicted, serve his sentence here before extradition may proceed. However, courts retain the power to act on cases with urgency, so if circumstances warrant, we may move to resolve proceedings in order not to unduly delay a valid extradition request,” he added.
Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church and a longtime ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, surrendered to authorities in September 2024 after a dramatic 16-day manhunt. Thousands of police officers scoured his 30-hectare compound in Davao City, which reportedly included underground tunnels and multiple buildings.
The pastor, who refers to himself as the “appointed son of God,” was flown to Manila under heavy security and has since been detained at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Quezon City.
US charges
Quiboloy is wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for his alleged involvement in a wide-ranging labor and sex trafficking scheme. According to the indictment filed in the Central District of California, victims — including women and girls as young as 12 — were recruited under fraudulent pretenses to serve as personal assistants, or “pastorals,” for Quiboloy.
Prosecutors alleged that the so-called pastorals were forced to cook, clean, give massages, and perform sexual acts as part of what was described as “night duty.” Church members were also allegedly trafficked to the US to solicit donations under fraudulent visas, with proceeds used to support the lavish lifestyles of KOJC leaders.
A federal grand jury indicted Quiboloy in November 2021 on charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; sex trafficking of children; bulk cash smuggling; and other related offenses.
The Philippines and the United States have had an extradition treaty signed in 1994, which allows either government to request the surrender of a fugitive to face prosecution or serve a sentence. The treaty covers serious crimes that are punishable in both countries, including trafficking and fraud.
Under Philippine law, extradition requests are first reviewed by the DOJ, which then files a petition before a regional trial court. The court determines whether the request meets legal requirements, including the principle of dual criminality — meaning the offense must be a crime in both countries.
The extradition request now lies with the DOJ and Philippine courts, which will determine whether Quiboloy can be sent to the US to face trial.
NewsWatch Plus has sought comment from the US Department of Justice and Quiboloy’s legal camp but has yet to receive a response.
