The United States government has formally moved to extradite detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy and two of his associates to face federal charges involving sex trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling, marking a significant development in Washington’s efforts to bring the controversial religious leader before an American court.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Tuesday, Nov. 10, that the extradition petition was filed on Nov. 9 before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC). The case was assigned to Branch 145, presided over by Judge Karen Matti Sy.
Aside from Quiboloy, the petition names Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag, two of his associates who are also wanted by American authorities in connection with the federal criminal case. According to the DOJ, arrest warrants previously issued by a U.S. court against the three respondents remain valid and enforceable.
Quiboloy was indicted by a U.S. federal grand jury in November 2021 over allegations involving the sexual exploitation of women and underage girls.
American prosecutors accused Quiboloy and several church officials of operating a scheme in which female followers were recruited as personal assistants, or “pastorals,” but were allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation through coercion, threats, and religious intimidation.
He is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail while facing separate criminal proceedings in the Philippines, including a qualified human trafficking case before a Pasig court and child and sexual abuse-related charges before a Quezon City court.
The qualified human trafficking charge is a non-bailable offense when the evidence of guilt is strong, making his pending Philippine cases an important factor in determining whether he can be transferred to American custody.
Under the Philippines’ extradition rules and its extradition treaty with the United States, the Makati court must determine whether the American government’s request satisfies the legal requirements for surrendering the respondents.
