US requests Quiboloy's extradition; DFA, DOJ: No formal request

The United States has formally requested the extradition of Filipino religious leader Apollo Quiboloy on charges including child sex trafficking and fraud.

However, Philippine Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla clarified Thursday that no formal request from Washington for Quiboloy's surrender has been received by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) or the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Quiboloy is currently detained in Pasig City under charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse of minors, and a local court denied bail petitions filed on his behalf.

In July 2021, Quiboloy was indicted by a US federal grand jury for labor trafficking and immigration fraud, and he remains on the FBI's most-wanted list.

Quiboloy's lawyer expressed hope that Philippine courts will exercise jurisdiction over the case before any decision is made to transfer him to the United States.