Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), sits in a cell under the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, yet his influence continues to cast a long shadow over the Philippines. Arrested in September 2024, Quiboloy faces serious charges in his home country: human trafficking in Pasig City and sexual abuse of minors in Quezon City. But these local cases pale in comparison to the gravity of the accusations leveled against him in the United States, where he has been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list since 2021 for orchestrating a sprawling sex trafficking scheme. The U.S. has formally requested his extradition since June 2024, yet the Philippine government’s response has been a masterclass in bureaucratic obfuscation and political timidity. It’s time for Manila to stop shielding Quiboloy and extradite him to face justice in the U.S., where his alleged crimes have caused irreparable harm.

Quiboloy’s case is a litmus test for the Philippines’ commitment to justice and its standing as a reliable international partner. The allegations against him are chilling: U.S. prosecutors accuse him of running a labor trafficking scheme that used fraudulently obtained visas to bring KOJC members to the United States, forcing them to solicit donations for a sham charity that funded church operations and Quiboloy’s lavish lifestyle. Even more disturbing are the claims of sexual exploitation, with girls and women as young as 12 coerced into “night duty” — a euphemism for sexual servitude — under threats of eternal damnation. These are not mere allegations; they are backed by a 2021 federal indictment and corroborated by accounts of victims who have come forward. Yet, the Philippine government’s insistence on prioritizing local cases before considering extradition reeks of delay tactics and undue deference to a man whose influence has long been a stain on the nation’s moral fabric.

The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) claim of having “no information” on the U.S. extradition request, despite the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirming its receipt in June, is a baffling display of incompetence or intentional stonewalling. Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez has stated that the documents are with the DOJ, yet spokesperson Mico Clavano insists local jurisdiction takes precedence, citing a rule that a person cannot be extradited while facing pending cases in the Philippines. This legal technicality, while grounded in the 1994 Philippines-U.S. extradition treaty, is not an absolute barrier. Clavano himself admitted that courts can act with urgency to resolve local proceedings if circumstances warrant, yet President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed extradition as “not a priority.” This stance is not just shortsighted; it’s a betrayal of justice for Quiboloy’s alleged victims, many of whom suffered in the U.S. under his alleged schemes.

Quiboloy’s enduring influence, even from behind bars, underscores why local trials alone are insufficient. As a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Quiboloy has wielded significant political clout, with millions of followers in his KOJC sect and a media empire through Sonshine Media Network International. His ability to evade authorities for weeks in his Davao compound, reportedly equipped with underground bunkers, speaks to the resources and loyalty he still commands. The denial of his request for house arrest is a small victory, but it does little to dismantle the network of enablers that has protected him for years. His legal team, led by Ferdinand Topacio, has already framed extradition as an affront to Philippine sovereignty, a tired nationalist trope that conveniently ignores the transnational nature of Quiboloy’s alleged crimes. Allowing him to remain in the Philippines risks a drawn-out legal process tainted by his influence, where witnesses could be intimidated, and justice could be subverted.

The Philippine government’s reluctance to prioritize extradition also raises questions about its commitment to international obligations. The U.S.-Philippines extradition treaty exists precisely to address cases like this, where crimes cross borders and demand accountability. By dragging its feet, Manila risks straining ties with a key ally, especially at a time when cooperation on other high-profile cases, like the arrest of dismissed mayor Alice Guo, has been touted as a success. The DOJ’s hesitation, coupled with Marcos’s dismissive stance, sends a troubling message: that powerful figures like Quiboloy, with deep political connections, can skirt accountability under the guise of “local jurisdiction.” This is particularly galling given Quiboloy’s ties to Duterte, who himself faces charges at the International Criminal Court, adding a layer of political complexity that the government seems loath to confront.

Extraditing Quiboloy to the U.S. is not just a legal necessity; it’s a moral imperative. The Philippine justice system, while capable, is not immune to the pressures of Quiboloy’s influence, as evidenced by his ability to evade arrest for weeks and his continued sway over followers. The U.S., with its robust prosecutorial resources and distance from Quiboloy’s local power base, offers a better chance for impartial justice. If convicted there, he faces life in prison — a far cry from the potentially bailable charges he faces in Quezon City. Moreover, the victims of his alleged U.S.-based crimes deserve their day in court, untainted by the specter of his influence in the Philippines.

The Marcos administration must stop hiding behind legal technicalities and act decisively. Quiboloy’s case is not just about one man; it’s about whether the Philippines can uphold justice against those who abuse power under the cloak of religion and political connections. By extraditing him, the government would send a clear signal that no one is above the law, regardless of their influence or allies. Failure to do so risks perpetuating a culture of impunity, where men like Quiboloy can continue to wield power, even from a jail cell. The time for excuses is over. Extradite Apollo Quiboloy to the United States, and let justice take its course.

(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #PACQ #kojc #ApolloQuiboloy #ExtraditionCase #FBI