Philippines DOJ reviews US extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy

The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun evaluating a formal request from the United States to extradite Apollo Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). The review, conducted by the DOJ's Office of the State Counsel, will determine if the request aligns with Philippine extradition laws and the existing RP-US Extradition Treaty.

Justice Undersecretary Raul Vasquez noted that the evaluation process could take between one week and one month before the DOJ decides whether to file a petition with a Regional Trial Court. The request involves voluminous documentation transmitted via the US Embassy and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Quiboloy faces a 2021 federal indictment in California involving charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, and bulk cash smuggling. He is currently detained in the Philippines, where he also faces domestic charges of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual abuse.

Representative Leila De Lima has called for the extradition to proceed without delay, warning that Quiboloy continues to wield influence within the country. She emphasized the importance of accountability for victims in both the Philippines and the United States.