Formal U.S. Extradition Request for Quiboloy ‘Forthcoming,’ Says PH Envoy

MANILA, Philippines — A formal request from the United States government to extradite detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy is expected soon, according to Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez.

In an interview during the Manila Strategy Forum held in Parañaque City, Romualdez confirmed that the official request will come in the form of a note verbale, which the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is currently awaiting.

“There is a request but the formal one, which will set the ball rolling, basically, is the note verbale,” the envoy said.

The U.S. extradition request stems from Quiboloy’s 2021 indictment in California, involving sex trafficking of minors, fraud, and bulk cash smuggling. The formal process will pass through the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of State before being transmitted to the DFA.

Romualdez clarified that the Department of Justice (DOJ), led by Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, will ultimately decide whether to allow the extradition to take precedence, given Quiboloy’s pending legal cases in the Philippines.

Under the 1994 Extradition Treaty between the Philippines and the United States, a person facing prosecution in the Philippines may be “temporarily surrendered” for trial abroad and returned once proceedings are concluded.

If approved, Quiboloy would be transferred into U.S. custody to face trial before being returned to the Philippines, in accordance with the treaty’s provisions.

The move marks a significant development in the long-running international legal proceedings against the controversial religious leader.

(PNA)