Pastor to face sexual abuse, trafficking charges in PH first
The Philippines is not currently looking to extradite Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted for child sex trafficking in the United States, President Ferdinand Marcos said Monday.
Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested on Sunday amid a massive two-week police search of his sect’s sprawling compound in Davao City.
The US charged the Kingdom of Jesus Christ preacher in 2021 with sex trafficking of girls and women aged 12-25 to work as personal assistants, who were allegedly required to have sex with him.
“For the moment, we are not looking at extradition. We are focusing on the cases filed in the Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said.
“It is now in the court’s hands; it’s no longer with the executive. Our role was to enforce the court’s order,” he added.
It is not known if the United States has formally sought the extradition of Quiboloy, aged at least 74 according to the FBI.
“We will cross the bridge when we get there, we will weigh the pros and cons of the treaty and how we will treat the subject of Quiboloy under this (extradition) treaty,” Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla said.
Quiboloy, whose sect claims millions of followers, is facing charges in Manila of child abuse, sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Mr. Marcos also congratulated the police for arresting the pastor.
“We will demonstrate once again to the world that our judicial system in the Philippines is active, is vibrant, and is working well,” the president said.
Quiboloy is also sought by US authorities for bulk cash smuggling and a scheme that brought church members to the United States using fraudulently obtained visas.
They were then forced to solicit donations for a bogus charity, raising funds that were instead used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders, according to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Department of Justice vowed to faithfully follow due process in prosecuting Quiboloy.
“The road to this apprehension was never an easy task from the get-go considering the overwhelming support, influence, wealth and power of Quiboloy,” Remulla said.
He said state forces were pushed to their limits yet they never deviated within the bounds of law in the manhunt against Quiboloy.
A House leader likewise advised Quiboloy’s camp to be more self-aware and cautious of its statements moving forward.
“Where else will you see this scenario wjere the suspect has been arrested yet his lawyer remained so entitled?” House Committee on Public Order and Safety chairperson and Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez said, referring to Quiboloy’s legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio.
“Pastor Quiboloy fell in the hands of authorities. He is facing charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking. He hid like a scared rat inside his compound. Those facts are beyond question,” Fernandez added.
For his part, Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list group expressed relief over the capture of Quiboloy.
“This arrest sends a clear and resounding message: justice will not be silenced, and no fortress, however fortified, can shield the guilty from facing the truth. Quiboloy, who stands accused of heinous crimes, including human trafficking and money laundering, both here and abroad, must now answer for his actions. He can no longer hide behind his titles, his wealth, or his followers. The law will find its way, and it has,” Acidre said.
Senate President Francis Escudero, for his part, said it was no longer important if Quiboloy surrendered or was arrested by authorities.
“It is enough for me — whatever their bickering, the rift, to whom he surrendered — that he is now under custody,” Escudero said. With AFP
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos: Quiboloy to face justice in Philippines, no extradition yet.”
