Philippines to decide on US extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to announce a decision within a few weeks regarding a United States request to extradite Apollo Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the President has been informed of the request and intends to study the matter thoroughly before making a final determination.

The extradition request follows a 2021 US indictment against Quiboloy involving charges of sex trafficking of minors, fraud, and bulk cash smuggling. The US Department of State has formally transmitted the request to the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ).

Under the 1994 Philippines-US Extradition Treaty, several options exist. The Philippine government could hold off on the request to allow Quiboloy to face pending local cases, which include qualified human trafficking in Pasig and sexual abuse in Quezon City. Alternatively, the government could temporarily suspend local proceedings to allow his extradition to the US for trial, with the possibility of his return to the Philippines once the US legal proceedings conclude. The DOJ has indicated it will prioritize the matter while ensuring local criminal cases are factored into the decision.