Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed on Monday that the United States government has not yet requested the extradition of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
In a press briefing, Remulla said that even if such a request were made, it would need to be processed through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) before reaching the Department of Justice (DOJ), indicating potential complexities.
“We have an extradition treaty with the US, and any extradition request will depend on whether the US government submits one. So far, there’s been no such request,” Remulla said.
Quiboloy, along with US-based KOJC officers Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag, faces sex trafficking charges before the United States District Court in Los Angeles and Honolulu.
Allegations include coercion of underage girls into sexual activities under threats of harm and spiritual consequences.
These charges supplement previous accusations in 2020, where nine individuals were implicated for bringing church members to the US on fraudulently-obtained visas, exploiting them to solicit donations for a fictitious charity.
The charges claimed that the donations were used to fund the lavish lifestyles of church leaders.
In the recent indictment, Quiboloy, Dandan, and Salinas are accused of participating in a conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking through fraud and coercion.
Recently, Kanishka Gangopadhyay, spokesperson for the United States Embassy, said that Quiboloy would be held accountable for the alleged crimes.
Under the RP-US Extradition Treaty, the US State Department initiates an extradition request with the DFA, which then assesses its validity before forwarding it to the DOJ for legal action.
Remulla noted two ongoing cases involving Quiboloy under review by his office, including complaints of rape, child abuse, and trafficking in persons filed in 2020.
Another case involves cyber libel, both pending review for nearly seven years.
“But it’s not solely the DOJ’s jurisdiction. Locally, we handle petitions for review, but extradition is beyond our control,” Remulla added.#