Rep. Khonghun, Abante push for Quiboloy extradition

House Deputy Speaker and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun stressed that sex trafficking is a transnational crime that demands international cooperation and is therefore devoid of politics.

He stated that if the alleged infraction carries the weight as heavy as sex trafficking, then no territory should be sacred, and no territory should be protected.

House Committee on Human Rights Chair Bienvenido Abante supports the extradition of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to the US, where he is wanted for charges including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children.

Abante stated that the Philippines, as a member of the community of nations and with an existing extradition treaty with the US, should proceed with the extradition for the sake of the country and its sovereignty.

In 2021, Quiboloy was indicted by a federal grand jury in California, and a federal arrest warrant was issued against him.

The US made a request to extradite Quiboloy in June, who is currently detained in the Philippines on human trafficking and child abuse charges.

Khonghun cited the Palermo Convention, which the Philippines ratified in 2002, obliging states to prosecute offenders and protect victims.

He emphasized that extradition is more than a technical process; it is a moral obligation and a legal duty.

Khonghun added that if infractions are committed against women and children, those individuals should be brought to justice regardless of their influence and power.