The United States has formally requested the extradition of Filipino religious leader Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, who is wanted to stand trial on a series of criminal charges including child sex trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
The move marks the latest development in a legal saga that has stretched across both the Philippines and the US.
Philippine officials confirmed that Washington submitted its extradition request, which is now moving through the country’s legal process while Quiboloy remains in detention.
Manila Begins Reviewing Washington’s Request
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said it had received the extradition request from the US government before forwarding it to the Department of Justice for further action.
Senior Philippine officials revealed that the request was transmitted in July and explained that any extradition cannot proceed immediately.
Under Philippine law, courts must first consider the request while Quiboloy continues to face ongoing criminal proceedings at home.
Two courts currently handling separate human trafficking and child abuse cases against the preacher will have to approve any transfer before extradition can move forward.
Domestic Cases Could Delay Transfer
Philippine law generally requires criminal defendants to complete their local trials and, if found guilty, serve any imposed sentence before they can be extradited.
However, officials noted that a legal pathway exists under the 1994 extradition treaty between the Philippines and the United States.
That agreement allows Philippine authorities to seek court approval for the temporary surrender of a suspect so they can stand trial abroad before domestic proceedings are concluded.
The US Embassy in Manila has not publicly commented on the extradition request.
From Religious Leader to Political Power Broker
Quiboloy, 76, founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church in Davao City in 1985.
Over the decades, the organization expanded its influence across the Philippines and established followers in several countries, including the United States.
At the height of his influence, Quiboloy was regarded as one of the country’s most powerful religious figures and became closely associated with former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, serving as his spiritual adviser.
His political influence led many observers to view him as a significant kingmaker in Philippine politics.
Duterte Connection Draws Renewed Attention
The extradition request has revived interest in Quiboloy’s relationship with Duterte, who is currently detained in the Netherlands after being arrested under a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
The former president is expected to face trial over allegations of crimes against humanity linked to thousands of deaths during his controversial anti-drug campaign, which drew widespread criticism from international human rights organizations and Western governments.
Controversial Claims Strengthened His Following
Beyond his political connections, Quiboloy became widely known for extraordinary religious claims that attracted both devoted supporters and fierce critics.
He has long described himself as the “appointed son of God” and previously claimed he had prevented a major earthquake from striking the southern Philippines, statements that further fueled debate over his influence and credibility.
Arrest Followed Months of Hiding
In 2024, Quiboloy went into hiding after Philippine courts ordered his arrest on allegations involving child abuse, sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Around the same time, the Philippine Senate also sought his arrest after he repeatedly failed to appear during investigations into the accusations.
Quiboloy consistently denied all allegations, insisting they were fabricated by political opponents and former members of his religious organization.
His months on the run ended in September 2024 when he and four co-accused surrendered after approximately 2,000 police officers searched the church’s sprawling 30-hectare headquarters in Davao City.
The massive compound included a cathedral, stadium, aircraft hangar and taxiway connected to the city’s international airport.
He has remained in jail ever since.
US Charges Include Sex Trafficking and Fraud
American prosecutors first unveiled criminal charges against Quiboloy in 2021, accusing him of exploiting women and underage girls by using threats of punishment and religious manipulation to force them into sexual acts.
According to US authorities, victims were allegedly warned they would face abuse or even “eternal damnation” if they refused his demands.
A federal grand jury later issued a superseding indictment naming Quiboloy and eight others.
The case includes allegations of conspiracy, child sex trafficking, sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, marriage fraud, money laundering, visa fraud and cash smuggling.
FBI Continues to Pursue the Case
Following the US indictment, the Federal Bureau of Investigation placed Quiboloy on its list of most wanted fugitives, making him one of the highest-profile religious figures ever sought by American authorities.
The outcome of the Philippines’ legal review will determine whether he remains to face the conclusion of his domestic cases first or is allowed to stand trial in the United States under the two countries’ extradition agreement.
