By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) will evaluate the United States’ request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Friday.
Castro said the DOJ has received the “voluminous records” supporting the extradition request, which was transmitted by the US Department of State through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“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 (The US government’s request for the extradition of Pastor Quiboloy to stand trial there for charges including sex trafficking, visa fraud, and bulk cash smuggling is a matter that must be deliberated upon, evaluated, assessed and resolved in due course to ensure the highest level of justice is served for the alleged victims here and in the US, as well as for the accused),” she said in a statement.
The US extradition request stems from Quiboloy’s 2021 indictment in California on charges that include sex trafficking of minors, visa fraud and bulk cash smuggling.
Under Article 11 of the 1994 Philippines-US Extradition Treaty, a requested state may temporarily surrender a person facing prosecution or serving a sentence in its jurisdiction.
If extradition is granted, Quiboloy would remain in US custody during the proceedings and be returned to the Philippines after the conclusion of the case, in accordance with the treaty.
Quiboloy, arrested in September 2024, is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail while facing local charges that include qualified human trafficking and child abuse, which he all denied. (PNA)
