Quiboloy custody in limbo

Questions over the physical custody of detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy have emerged after a Makati court issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with a United States extradition request.

Quiboloy remains detained at the Pasig City Jail while facing separate criminal charges in the Philippines.

Department of Justice (DoJ) spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said authorities have yet to determine whether the religious leader will be transferred to another detention facility, stressing that any changes in his custody arrangements will depend on court orders.

Martinez clarified, however, that the extradition proceedings before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) can move forward independently of his domestic criminal cases.

“Any arrangements concerning his custody or possible transfer will be subject to the appropriate court orders,” Martinez told reporters.

On 12 November, Makati RTC Branch 145, presided over by Judge Karen Matti Sy, issued extradition arrest warrants and hold departure orders against Quiboloy and two co-accused, KoJC officials Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.

The orders followed an extradition petition filed by the DoJ on 9 November on behalf of the US government.

The court found probable cause that the three are the individuals named in a November 2021 US federal grand jury indictment in California and that the offenses charged are extraditable.

They face US federal charges involving international human trafficking, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking through force, fraud and coercion, and bulk cash smuggling, among others.