MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is awaiting a request from the United States to extradite pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing charges of sex and labor trafficking in the US, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
Remulla stated that the request must go through various channels in the US government and pass through the Department of Foreign Affairs before reaching the Department of Justice. “We are waiting for the request of the US government on this matter,” he said during a press briefing.
Quiboloy, who is on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted List, has alleged a plot to have him killed, leading him to go into hiding despite a subpoena to appear before a Senate investigation. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader has accused the US government of planning to have him assassinated, claiming that hit men would storm his compound to kidnap and murder him. He also implicated President Marcos in the alleged conspiracy with the US.
Remulla revealed that Quiboloy is facing two pending charges in the Philippines for rape and cyberlibel, which are currently under review. While resolving these cases is a top priority, Remulla acknowledged that extradition is not within the DOJ’s control.
The Bureau of Immigration has not issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against Quiboloy, despite receiving a request from Sen. Risa Hontiveros. The DOJ is waiting for more than just a letter to issue such an order.
A Senate inquiry, led by Hontiveros, is investigating alleged crimes, including sexual abuse, within the KJC. Quiboloy’s camp accused the Senate of abuse of power after Hontiveros warned of possible arrest if he fails to comply with the subpoena.
Quiboloy’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, stated that his client is deliberating whether to attend the investigation, claiming it is geared towards persecution rather than legislation. “This is not an inquiry in aid of legislation, it is an inquiry in aid of persecution, because during the speech of Senator Risa Hontiveros, she already declared Pastor Quiboloy guilty,” Topacio said.
