DOJ reviewing ‘voluminous’ documents in US bid to extradite Quiboloy

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 26, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is still reviewing a large volume of documents submitted by the United States in support of its request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DOJ is examining the records to determine whether the US request satisfies the legal requirements for extradition.

“The DOJ is currently examining, reviewing and assessing the large volume of documents submitted to them,” Castro said in Filipino during a press briefing on August 25, adding that the review is far from complete because of the amount of material involved.

Among the matters being evaluated are Quiboloy’s identity and whether the offenses cited by US authorities meet the requirement of dual criminality — meaning the alleged acts must also constitute crimes under Philippine law.

Castro said the government is aware of the need to act on the request but stressed that the documents have to undergo proper legal review before the government decides how to proceed.

The DOJ serves as the Philippines’ central authority for extradition matters and processes requests in accordance with the Philippine Extradition Law and applicable treaties. The Philippines and the United States have an existing extradition treaty.

The US formally transmitted its extradition request earlier this month. Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida previously said the DOJ would consider the extradition treaty, Philippine laws, Supreme Court decisions and Quiboloy’s pending cases in the country in evaluating the request. A formal request does not automatically result in his surrender, as the required extradition proceedings must still be followed.

Quiboloy was indicted by a US federal grand jury in 2021 on charges including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, sex trafficking of children, substantive sex trafficking, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling.

The charges remain pending, and Quiboloy has denied wrongdoing.

In the Philippines, Quiboloy remains detained while facing qualified human trafficking and child and sexual abuse cases. He was arrested in September 2024 following a police operation at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City.