By el Amigo
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has brought the United States’ extradition request against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and two associates before a Makati court, moving the case closer to formal judicial proceedings.
The DOJ said its petition covering Quiboloy, Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag was filed on Nov. 9 before the Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 145.
Under existing extradition procedures, the court may issue warrants of arrest against the respondents and order the service of summons, together with copies of the petition and supporting documents.
Quiboloy is wanted in the US over allegations involving international human trafficking, sex trafficking, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling.
The DOJ clarified that extradition hearings are not criminal trials and will not determine whether the respondents are guilty of the offenses charged. Their criminal liability, if any, will be decided by the courts in the country seeking their extradition.
US prosecutors indicted Quiboloy in 2021, accusing him and other KOJC officials of exploiting women and girls recruited into the religious organization under the guise of serving as personal assistants.
The religious leader has denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, Quiboloy remains in Philippine custody, facing separate cases involving alleged child and sexual abuse in Quezon City and qualified human trafficking in Pasig.
ia/xf
