Malacañang: US Extradition Request for Apollo Quiboloy to Be Carefully Evaluated

Malacañang on Friday emphasized that the United States' request for the extradition of religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy should be thoroughly evaluated and resolved in due course to ensure justice is served. This statement came after Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez disclosed that the US government had formally requested Quiboloy’s extradition over charges including sex trafficking, visa fraud, and bulk cash smuggling.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro conveyed in a video message that the extradition request is a matter requiring careful consideration, assessment, and timely resolution to achieve the highest level of justice. She highlighted that this process is crucial not only for the alleged victims in both the Philippines and the US but also for the accused himself.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Thursday evening that it had received the US government’s extradition request for Quiboloy, who is listed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list. The DFA has since forwarded the request to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for further action.

According to Castro, the DOJ is set to begin reviewing the extensive documentation related to the extradition request on Monday, August 10. She noted that the voluminous records were received from the DFA on the same day as her statement, marking the start of the formal evaluation process.

Quiboloy was arrested in the Philippines in September 2024 on charges under Republic Act 7610, which provides special protection for children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. Additionally, he faces a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, pending before a Pasig court.

Following his arrest in August 2024, Quiboloy pleaded not guilty to the charges. He remains detained at the Pasig City Jail as legal proceedings continue. The extradition request from the US adds another layer of complexity to his ongoing legal battles in the Philippines.

The extradition process will involve careful legal scrutiny to determine whether Quiboloy should be handed over to US authorities to face trial on the charges filed against him there. The Philippine government must weigh the request against domestic laws and international treaties, ensuring that justice is served for all parties involved.

Malacañang’s statement underscores the importance of due process and the need to balance the interests of justice for the alleged victims in both countries with the rights of the accused. The DOJ’s upcoming review will be a critical step in deciding how the Philippines will respond to the US extradition request.