A preacher followed by millions of people could face trial in the United States after American authorities submitted a formal request asking the Philippines to surrender him for prosecution.
Apollo Quiboloy founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church and describes himself as the “Appointed Son of God.” He has developed significant religious, financial and political influence in the Philippines.
American prosecutors accuse Quiboloy of leading a sex-trafficking operation in which young followers were allegedly pressured into sexual acts. The accusations remain unproven in court, and Quiboloy has denied committing any wrongdoing.
The case includes allegations that victims were threatened with physical punishment and eternal damnation if they resisted instructions. Because these claims form part of an active legal process, they should be treated as allegations until a court determines the evidence.
Philippine officials confirmed on Thursday that the formal extradition request had been delivered to the country’s Department of Justice. This marks the beginning of a complex legal process rather than an immediate transfer to the United States.
The justice department must first examine whether the request satisfies the extradition agreement between the two countries. If officials approve it, they can petition a Philippine court to order Quiboloy’s extradition.
His legal team will be allowed to challenge the request and contest the evidence. A lawyer representing Quiboloy said the defence could not yet provide a detailed response because it had not received formal notification.
Quiboloy already faces separate criminal proceedings in the Philippines, including an allegation involving the sexual abuse of a child. He denies the local charges as well.
He was arrested in September 2024 at his church organisation’s approximately 30-hectare compound in Davao City after authorities searched for him for several months.
The preacher’s influence extends beyond religion. He has maintained relationships with prominent political figures, including former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, and his supporters have remained vocal throughout the investigations.
The extradition request may create a legal dispute over which country should prosecute him first. Philippine authorities must consider the cases already before local courts while responding to the charges filed in the United States.
No court has convicted Quiboloy of the allegations described in the extradition request. The next major development will be the Philippine justice department’s decision on whether the request should proceed to a judicial hearing.
