The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that it has not yet received a formal extradition request from the US government for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, to face charges in the US.
"As you know the Philippines has an extradition treaty with the United States of America. I wish to report that as to this date, the DFA has not received a formal extradition request," DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo informed a Senate panel on Wednesday investigating Quiboloy's alleged abuses.
Manalo clarified that if the Philippines receives a formal request, the DFA will review it for compliance with the treaty and then forward it to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for appropriate action.
Additionally, Manalo mentioned that no Philippine embassies or consulates in the US have received any requests for assistance from human trafficking victims related to Quiboloy's case.
Meanwhile, DFA Undersecretary Jesus Domingo confirmed that they are prepared to provide assistance if needed.
Quiboloy is facing charges in the US, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors, sex trafficking by force and fraud, and bulk cash smuggling. A US court issued an arrest warrant for him in November 2021.
The US Department of Justice has declined to comment on the extradition, citing policy.
Quiboloy, who faces charges of child abuse and qualified trafficking related to his religious group, appeared before the Senate hearing led by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality for the first time.
Also present at the hearing were his five co-accused—Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemane.
Despite his legal troubles, Quiboloy is running as an independent candidate for senator in the 2025 elections.
