MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is moving closer to seeking court approval for the extradition of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy to the United States, where he faces federal charges involving alleged child sex trafficking, labor trafficking and bulk cash smuggling.
Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan said Thursday that the DOJ was working toward a possible November filing of the extradition petition, subject to the completion of its review and verification of additional evidence submitted by US authorities.
The United States formally requested Quiboloy’s extradition in August, but the DOJ has yet to determine whether the supporting documents are sufficient to establish the legal and factual basis for bringing the petition before a Philippine court.
“(The DOJ is) validating additional information that was relayed in the request from the United States,” Chan said.
He explained that the verification process was particularly important because the alleged offenses occurred in the United States, requiring Philippine authorities to rely on evidence and factual accounts furnished by their American counterparts.
“So, kwento nila ang bina-validate natin. We cannot really just rely on what we see in the news,” Chan said. “So, we are totally relying on the narration of facts and the evidence submitted by the requesting country, in this case, the United States.”
Chan emphasized that the DOJ must establish the credibility and sufficiency of the supporting records before initiating extradition proceedings to avoid jeopardizing the government’s petition.
“So, around the end of November we can give you another clear categorical update on how we are ready to file the petition for extradition,” Chan said.
“We have to cross-check, validate that information, and make sure that the necessary documents supporting those factual allegations are with us and submitted because kung walang yun, it will weaken our petition in the first place,” he added.
US federal authorities are seeking Quiboloy’s extradition over allegations of conspiracy to commit child sex trafficking, labor trafficking involving fraudulent visas and sham marriage arrangements, and bulk cash smuggling.
The charges stem from alleged activities involving girls and young women, including accusations that victims were exploited under the guise of religious service.
Quiboloy was arrested in September 2024 following a prolonged standoff at the KOJC compound in Davao City.
The DOJ’s ongoing review represents a crucial step toward determining whether the Philippine government can formally initiate court proceedings to surrender the religious leader to US authorities.
However, the anticipated November update does not guarantee the immediate filing of the petition, as the DOJ must first establish that the extradition request meets the necessary documentary and legal requirements.
Any eventual extradition would require judicial proceedings in the Philippines, with Quiboloy entitled to contest the petition before the courts./PN
