Hontiveros prods DOJ to expedite Quiboloy's extradition to U.S.

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to "act with dispatch" on the United States' request to extradite detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy so he can face federal charges, including child sex trafficking, fraud, and bulk cash smuggling.

Hontiveros issued the call following reports that the US extradition request had been transmitted to the DOJ as early as July.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez confirmed on Thursday that the request had been coursed through the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Under Philippine law, extradition requires court approval, with the DOJ responsible for filing a verified petition before the appropriate court.

Hontiveros, who led the Senate's 2024 inquiry into allegations of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and extortion within the KOJC, said Quiboloy's extradition was long overdue and urged the DOJ to move swiftly.

"He trafficked women and girls from around the world. Justice demands that he answer for these crimes in the very places he committed them," Hontiveros said.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, Hontiveros presided over hearings in which former KOJC members testified about Quiboloy's alleged involvement in human trafficking, forced labor, and intimidation. Quiboloy has denied the allegations.

Quiboloy also faces federal charges in the United States, where he has been placed on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's most wanted list.

Hontiveros said that although Quiboloy has been detained in the Philippines since September 2024, his continued presence in the country "emboldens his followers to harass" individuals who have publicly accused him of abuse.

Quiboloy, who calls himself the "Appointed Son of God," is a longtime ally and spiritual adviser of former president Rodrigo Duterte. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in California on charges including child sex trafficking, sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.

According to US prosecutors, Quiboloy allegedly coerced girls and young women into sexual acts by threatening them with "eternal damnation," among other accusations. A federal arrest warrant against him was issued in November 2021.

Meanwhile, Quiboloy's television network, Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), was ordered to cease operations in early 2024 following regulatory actions amid allegations that the network was being used by Duterte allies to spread disinformation against the Marcos administration. The network has disputed the allegations.