MANILA, Philippines – The Apollo Quiboloy extradition case has entered a new legal stage after the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a petition before a Makati court seeking the transfer of the detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and two other individuals to the United States. The filing brings Washington’s request into the Philippine judicial process, where the court will determine whether the legal requirements for extradition have been satisfied.

In a statement on November 10, the DOJ confirmed that the extradition request involving Quiboloy, Teresita Tolibas Dandan, and Helen Panilag was filed before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) on November 9, 2026.

The case was subsequently raffled to RTC Branch 145, presided over by Judge Karen Matti Sy.

According to the DOJ, the US government is seeking the extradition of the three respondents so they can face prosecution for alleged international human trafficking, sex trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling offenses.

The request is supported by arrest warrants issued by a US court, which the DOJ said remain valid and enforceable.

What Happens Next in the Extradition Process?

The filing of the petition does not mean Quiboloy will immediately be transferred to American custody.

Under the Philippine Rules on Extradition, the court handling the case is expected to issue the appropriate arrest warrant against the respondents. The clerk of court will also issue summons and arrange for the personal service of the petition and its supporting documents.

The respondents will have the opportunity to participate in the proceedings and raise applicable legal arguments.

The DOJ emphasized that extradition proceedings are different from ordinary criminal trials. The Philippine court will determine whether the legal requirements for extradition have been met, rather than deciding whether the respondents are guilty or innocent of the offenses alleged in the United States.

Any determination of criminal liability for the US charges would take place before the appropriate American court if extradition is granted.

Quiboloy Also Faces Criminal Cases in the Philippines

The extradition request comes as Quiboloy remains detained at Pasig City Jail over separate criminal cases filed in the Philippines.

He is facing qualified human trafficking charges before a Pasig court, as well as child and sexual abuse cases before a court in Quezon City.

Quiboloy surrendered to Philippine authorities on September 9, 2024, following a weeks-long police operation at the KOJC compound in Davao City.

Meanwhile, the US case against the religious leader dates back to a 2021 federal indictment. American prosecutors have accused him and other KOJC officials of recruiting women and underage girls under the pretext of church-related work and subjecting some of them to sexual exploitation.

The allegations include sex trafficking involving force, fraud or coercion and the alleged trafficking of minors. Quiboloy has denied the accusations.

Will He Be Sent to the United States?

The presence of pending criminal cases in the Philippines could complicate the extradition process.

Philippine authorities must consider the country’s legal obligations, the applicable extradition treaty, and the status of domestic proceedings before any possible transfer can take place.

The filing of the petition marks an important step in the case, but the court must still evaluate the request and follow the required legal procedures.

For now, the next major development will depend on the proceedings before Makati RTC Branch 145 and how Philippine authorities address the competing legal considerations surrounding Quiboloy’s possible extradition.