DOJ's Remulla expects US to file extradition request for Quiboloy

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said they are expecting the United States to file an extradition request for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy very soon.

This came after Quiboloy’s surrender to authorities on Sunday evening after he was given an ultimatum to turn himself in within 24 hours.

“We expect the US to file an extradition request very soon since he is already in custody. And remember, we have a treaty with the US and it’s part of the law of the land,” Remulla said in an ambush interview.

In November 2021, US prosecutors indicted Quiboloy and others for allegedly running a sex trafficking operation that threatened victims as young as 12 with "eternal damnation" and physical abuse.

The US court issued a warrant for his arrest on November 10.

According to Remulla, authorities would have to look into it properly to determine what to do.

“He should face the music here, especially na pinahirapan niya ‘yung mga pulis na hanapin siya. Ganon din pala, susuko din pala siya or mahuhuli din pala siya. Pinahirapan niya ang ating kapulisan eh, pinahirapan niya ang taong bayan tungkol sa bagay na ito. Dapat talaga dito siya malitis,” he said.

(He should face the music here, especially since he made it difficult for the police to find him. In the end, he surrendered. He made things hard for our police and for the people regarding this matter. He really needs to be held accountable for this here.)

The Justice Secretary said he will instruct prosecutors to prepare all the evidence so they could ask for a continuous trial.

He said he will talk with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday afternoon regarding the possible extradition request.

Meanwhile, he said that the complainant against Quiboloy in both of his criminal cases in the Philippines may be included in the WPP.

“Syempre, syempre. Special case ‘yan kasi mabigat ang kalaban dito. Mabigat ang kalaban,” Remulla said.

(Of course, of course. This is a special case because the opponent here is formidable. The opponent is indeed formidable.)

Quiboloy is facing charges under Section 5(b) and  Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

He is also facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, before a Pasig court. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News