US extradition request for Quiboloy filed before Makati court — DOJ
Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy along with his co-accused take their oath during the Senate hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality in Pasay City on October 23, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — The request of the United States government for the extradition of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was filed on November 9 before the Makati City Regional Trial Court, the Department of Justice said on Tuesday.
Also included in the extradition request are Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.
In a statement, the DOJ said the request was raffled to Branch 145, presided by Judge Karen Matti Sy.
“The U.S. Court issued warrants of arrest against the respondents, which remain valid and executable,” the DOJ said.
The DOJ stressed that the US Government is seeking their extradition to pursue prosecution for the following offenses: international human trafficking, sex trafficking, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling.
The DOJ noted that under the new Rules of Extradition, the extradition court will issue a warrant of arrest against the extraditees.
The clerk of court will issue the corresponding summons, which, together with the petition and all its annexes, shall be personally served to the extraditee.
Quiboloy is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail for qualified human trafficking and other charges.
The DOJ noted that an extradition proceeding is “sui generis”, not a criminal proceeding and does not involve the determination of the guilt or innocence of an accused.
“His guilt or innocence will be adjudged in the court of the state where he will be extradited,” the DOJ said.