U.S. Seeks Extradition of Televangelist Apollo Quiboloy Amid Serious Charges

Apollo Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church, is facing serious allegations of child sex trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has indicted him on multiple charges, including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, as well as bulk cash smuggling. Quiboloy is accused of exploiting church members through fraudulent visas to solicit donations for a bogus charity, which allegedly funded the lavish lifestyles of KOJC leaders. He was arrested in the Philippines in September 2024 after a standoff at his Davao City compound.

South China Morning PostUS seeks extradition of detained Philippine pastor Apollo QuiboloyBusinessWorldQuiboloy camp urges PH to let courts decide first before U.S. extraditionDOJ denies receiving US extradition request for QuiboloyNo formal request yet for Quiboloy’s extradition — DOJ, DFAQuiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extraditionHontiveros urges PH to allow Quiboloy’s extradition to the US

The United States formally requested Quiboloy's extradition in June 2025, as confirmed by Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez. However, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have stated that they have not yet received any official extradition request. DOJ spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano emphasized that extradition requests must first be routed through the DFA before reaching the DOJ.

DOJ denies receiving US extradition request for QuiboloyNo formal request yet for Quiboloy’s extradition — DOJ, DFABusinessWorldQuiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extraditionUS seeks extradition of detained Philippine pastor Apollo QuiboloyHontiveros urges PH to allow Quiboloy’s extradition to the USQuiboloy camp urges PH to let courts decide first before U.S. extradition

Quiboloy's legal team has urged the Philippine government to allow local courts to resolve his pending cases before considering extradition. His lawyer, Israelito Torreon, stated that while the U.S. has the right to request extradition under the Philippines-U.S. Extradition Treaty, the Philippine government retains discretion over the decision, especially given the ongoing local charges against Quiboloy.

Quiboloy camp urges PH to let courts decide first before U.S. extraditionHontiveros urges PH to allow Quiboloy’s extradition to the USDOJ denies receiving US extradition request for QuiboloyNo formal request yet for Quiboloy’s extradition — DOJ, DFAPhilippines has clear basis to temporarily surrender Quiboloy to the U.S. – HontiverosBusinessWorldQuiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extradition

Senator Risa Hontiveros has publicly called for the Philippine government to act on the extradition request, emphasizing the need for justice for victims in the U.S. She cited Article 11 of the extradition treaty, which allows for temporary surrender for trial abroad while ensuring that Quiboloy can return to the Philippines afterward to face local charges. Hontiveros criticized Quiboloy for allegedly using his influence to evade accountability and called for prompt action to avoid further delays in justice.

Hontiveros urges PH to allow Quiboloy’s extradition to the USPhilippines has clear basis to temporarily surrender Quiboloy to the U.S. – HontiverosNo formal request yet for Quiboloy’s extradition — DOJ, DFAPH may surrender Quiboloy to US despite local cases – HontiverosQuiboloy camp urges PH to let courts decide first before U.S. extraditionBusinessWorldDOJ denies receiving US extradition request for Quiboloy

Conversely, Torreon expressed hope that the Philippine courts would fully exercise their jurisdiction over Quiboloy's case before any transfer to the U.S. He argued that the urgency for extradition is absent since Quiboloy is already detained in the Philippines.

Quiboloy camp urges PH to let courts decide first before U.S. extraditionDOJ denies receiving US extradition request for QuiboloyHontiveros urges PH to allow Quiboloy’s extradition to the USQuiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extraditionNo formal request yet for Quiboloy’s extradition — DOJ, DFABusinessWorldPhilippines has clear basis to temporarily surrender Quiboloy to the U.S. – Hontiveros

Critics, including Hontiveros and other lawmakers, have voiced concerns over Quiboloy's continued influence and the potential risks it poses to witnesses and investigations. They argue that his power could undermine the integrity of the judicial process in the Philippines. Perci Cendaña, a representative from the House of Representatives, has also urged the DOJ to expedite the extradition process, warning that delays could deny justice to victims.

PH may surrender Quiboloy to US despite local cases – Hontiveros

There is a notable discrepancy regarding the status of the extradition request. While Ambassador Romualdez confirmed that documents were sent to the DOJ, both the DOJ and DFA have maintained that no formal request has been received. This conflicting information raises questions about the communication between the U.S. and Philippine governments regarding the extradition process.

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As the situation unfolds, the Philippine government must navigate the complexities of the extradition treaty while addressing the serious charges Quiboloy faces domestically. The resolution of local cases may influence the decision on whether to proceed with extradition, as both the U.S. and Philippine authorities seek to ensure justice for the alleged victims.

Hontiveros urges PH to allow Quiboloy’s extradition to the USQuiboloy camp urges PH to let courts decide first before U.S. extraditionNo formal request yet for Quiboloy’s extradition — DOJ, DFADOJ denies receiving US extradition request for QuiboloyPhilippines has clear basis to temporarily surrender Quiboloy to the U.S. – HontiverosBusinessWorldQuiboloy counsel: Let PH courts act before deciding on US extraditionPH may surrender Quiboloy to US despite local cases – Hontiveros