Extradition Controversy Surrounding Apollo Quiboloy

Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the Davao-based religious sect Kingdom of Jesus Christ, is currently on the FBI's most wanted list due to multiple charges, including child sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling. He is facing separate criminal charges of human trafficking in a Pasig City court and sexual abuse in a Quezon City court.

Quiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extradition

Quiboloy's legal counsel, Israelito Torreon, has urged the Philippine government to prioritize domestic legal proceedings before considering any extradition to the United States. Torreon emphasized that the Philippines has the sovereign right to adjudicate Quiboloy's cases locally, as he is already facing serious charges in the country.

Quiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extradition

As of now, Torreon stated that his team has not received any official documentation confirming an extradition request from the U.S. government. He acknowledged that if such a request exists, they respect the U.S. government's right to pursue it under the extradition treaty between the U.S. and the Philippines. However, he cited Article 11 of the treaty, which allows the Philippines discretion over whether to extradite Quiboloy, particularly since he is already involved in ongoing legal matters domestically.

Quiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extradition

Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, confirmed that the U.S. is seeking Quiboloy's extradition. However, both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have stated that they have not yet received any formal extradition request. DOJ spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV clarified that extradition requests must be routed through the DFA before being formally endorsed to the DOJ, and as of now, no such request has been transmitted.

Quiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extradition

Torreon argued that a provisional arrest request from the U.S. may not be necessary, citing a lack of urgency since Quiboloy remains detained at the Pasig City Jail, awaiting the resolution of his bail petition. He expressed hope that the Philippine government would allow local courts to fully exercise their jurisdiction over Quiboloy's case before any decision is made regarding extradition.

Quiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extradition

There are discrepancies regarding the status of the extradition request. The DFA stated that Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro has not received any request, while it was also mentioned that documents were sent to the DOJ as early as June. This has led to confusion about the formal processes involved in the extradition request.

Quiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extradition

The situation surrounding Apollo Quiboloy's potential extradition to the United States remains complex, with ongoing legal proceedings in the Philippines and a lack of clarity regarding the status of any extradition request. The Philippine government faces a decision on whether to prioritize its own legal system or comply with international extradition requests.

Quiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extradition