9-9-2024 (MANILA) In a significant development concerning the high-profile case of Apollo Quiboloy, President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines has announced that the country is not currently considering extradition to the United States. This statement comes in the wake of the recent arrest of the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church.
Quiboloy, a figure of considerable influence and a known ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, surrendered to authorities in Davao City on Sunday. His arrest followed an intensive two-week police operation that involved searching the sprawling compound of his religious sect.
The pastor faces serious allegations in the United States, where he was charged in 2021 with sex trafficking of girls and women aged 12 to 25. These individuals were allegedly coerced into working as personal assistants and subjected to sexual abuse.
President Marcos, addressing reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Manila, stated, “At present, our focus remains on the cases filed within the Philippines. We are not actively pursuing extradition at this time.” This stance suggests that the Philippine government is prioritising its own legal proceedings against Quiboloy.
The pastor is currently facing charges of child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking in Manila. President Marcos expressed his congratulations to the police force for their successful apprehension of Quiboloy, emphasising, “We aim to demonstrate to the global community that our judicial system in the Philippines is not only active and vibrant but also functioning effectively.”
It remains unclear whether the United States has formally requested Quiboloy’s extradition. The FBI lists the pastor’s age as at least 74, though exact details remain uncertain.
Beyond the sex trafficking charges, US authorities are also seeking Quiboloy for alleged bulk cash smuggling and a scheme involving fraudulent visas. According to the FBI, church members were brought to the US using these visas and then forced to solicit donations for a fictitious charity. These funds were allegedly used to finance church operations and support the lavish lifestyles of its leadership.
