U.S. Seeks Extradition of Filipino Church Leader Facing Sex Trafficking and Fraud Charges

The United States has formally requested that the Philippine government surrender Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, a prominent church leader with ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte, to face trial on charges of child sex trafficking, fraud and other crimes. The extradition request was submitted in July through the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department to Manila’s Department of Justice, according to two Philippine officials who disclosed the development Thursday.

Quiboloy, 76, founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church in 1985 in Davao and served as a spiritual adviser to Duterte during his presidency beginning in June 2016. The religious leader wielded considerable political influence in the Philippines and was regarded as a kingmaker before his prominence diminished in recent years.

Federal prosecutors in the United States indicted Quiboloy in 2021 on multiple counts including conspiracy, sex trafficking of children, money laundering and fraud. He was subsequently added to the FBI’s list of 10 most wanted fugitives and remained at large until his arrest.

Quiboloy went into hiding in 2024 after Philippine courts ordered his arrest for alleged child sexual abuse and human trafficking. He surrendered in September 2024 following a raid by approximately 2,000 police officers on his church’s 30-hectare compound in Davao, which housed a cathedral, stadium and airport facilities. He has remained in custody since his surrender and continues to deny all allegations against him.

Under Philippine law and a 1994 bilateral extradition treaty, Quiboloy must complete trials in Philippine courts before formal extradition can occur. However, Philippine justice officials retain the authority to request temporary surrender to allow him to face trial in the United States prior to the conclusion of domestic proceedings.