The Department of Justice (DOJ) is now finalizing its petition to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy to the United States over charges linking him to alleged sex trafficking of children and bulk cash smuggling.
Justice Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said the petition is now being prepared for filing in local court following the US government’s formal extradition request received by the DOJ in August.
“The petition for extradition is being prepared and finalized by the Department of Justice,” Dato said during a press conference.
He assured that the DOJ will file the petition once it is satisfied that the evidence and applicable law warrant the extradition.
“Rest assured that the Department of Justice will file the petition as soon as it is convinced that the evidence and the law warrant it,” Dato said.
Dato said the department immediately evaluated the US request upon receipt, but noted that it involved voluminous records that still have to be reviewed.
“What I can confirm is that it is being evaluated and the finalization of the petition for extradition is being conducted,” Dato said.
He declined to give a specific timetable for when the petition would be completed and filed in court.
“As to a particular time when it will be done and filed, that is something that I cannot speculate on,” he said.
Quiboloy is facing several criminal cases in Philippine courts, including qualified human trafficking charges before the Pasig City Regional Trial Court and child and sexual abuse cases now being tried by a Quezon City court.
He is also wanted by US authorities on charges including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, sex trafficking of children and bulk cash smuggling.
Quiboloy has consistently denied the allegations and has maintained that the cases against him are politically and religiously motivated.#