The United States has formally requested the extradition of Filipino religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, who faces multiple charges in the US, including child sex trafficking, sex with minors, fraud, and money laundering, according to Philippine government sources cited by GMA News Online on Wednesday.
Documents supporting the extradition request were transmitted to the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) in June 2025, sources familiar with the process disclosed. They spoke on condition of anonymity, citing a lack of authority to discuss the matter publicly.
Quiboloy, 75, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) based in Davao City, was indicted by a US federal grand jury in 2021 and remains on the FBI’s most wanted list. The charges include conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, sex trafficking of children, and bulk cash smuggling.
“The US is seriously pursuing the extradition and taking the necessary steps with the Philippine government to bring him to justice,” one of the sources confirmed, adding that Malacañang is aware of the request.
Under the 1994 extradition treaty between Manila and Washington, all extradition requests must be coursed through diplomatic channels and supported by documents detailing the identity, probable location, and alleged offenses of the person sought. Extradition cannot be granted if the offense is deemed political, military in nature, or punishable by death under US law.
Quiboloy is currently detained at the Pasig City jail after surrendering in September 2024, following weeks of hiding inside his religious compound in Davao City. His arrest came after a massive police and military operation that saw hundreds of followers attempt to block authorities. He is also facing separate criminal cases in the Philippines involving sexual and child abuse, as well as human trafficking.
US prosecutors allege that Quiboloy coerced women and minors into sex, convincing them that such acts were “God’s will” and a demonstration of their loyalty to him as the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God.” The indictment further linked KOJC’s fundraising activities in the US to forced labor, marriage fraud, and money laundering schemes.
The DOJ and the US Embassy in Manila have yet to issue official statements regarding the extradition