Custody questions linger as Quiboloy faces US extradition

MANILA, Philippines– The United States (United States) extradition case versus apprehended Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy has actually gone into a brand-new stage however regarding where he would be held while the procedures move on stays an open concern.

Quiboloy is presently apprehended at the Pasig City prison for a different domestic criminal trial.

After a Makati City Regional Trial Court released an arrest warrant versus him in connection with a United States extradition demand, Department of Justice (DOJ) representative Polo Martinez stated authorities have actually no verified information yet on whether Quiboloy will be moved to another detention center.

Martinez worried, nevertheless, that the extradition case before the Makati court can continue individually of his regional trials.

“Any plans worrying his custody or possible transfer will undergo the proper court orders,” he stated.

On Nov. 12, 2026, Makati-RTC Branch 145 Judge Karen Matti Sy released extradition arrest warrants and hold departure orders versus Quiboloy and co-accused KOJC authorities Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.

The orders followed an official extradition petition submitted by the DOJ on Nov. 9 on behalf of the United States federal government.

The court discovered likely cause that the 3 were the individuals called in a November 2021 United States federal grand jury indictment in the Central District of California which they devoted extraditable offenses.

They deal with United States federal charges of global human trafficking, sex trafficking of kids, conspiracy to take part in sex trafficking by force, scams and browbeating, and bulk money smuggling.

Under the Supreme Court’s upgraded Rules on Extradition Proceedings, when the Makati court is informed that the arrest warrant has actually been served, summonses and copies of the extradition petition will be personally served on the implicated, who will have 15 days to submit a validated response.
The modified guidelines limit attract the Court of Appeals instead of the Supreme Court, enabling procedures to move much faster, according to Chief State Dennis Chan.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag stated it would easily collaborate with DOJ once it gets a copy of the warrant.

The NBI chief kept in mind that due to the fact that Quiboloy was currently in detention, the firm holding him would be accountable for providing him before the Makati court.
Quiboloy has actually been apprehended at the Pasig prison given that November 2024 after his arrest at the KOJC substance in Davao City in September 2024.

He is standing trial before the Pasig RTC for non-bailable certified human trafficking charges, together with different kid and sexual assault cases before a Quezon City court.

The prosecution has actually concluded its proof discussion in the Pasig trafficking case and is set to submit its official deal of proof, according to the department spokesperson.
He stated the DOJ has actually formerly kept that Quiboloy should deal with domestic charges– and serve any sentence if founded guilty– before being committed United States authorities.

Quiboloy has actually rejected all accusations in both the Philippines and the United States, calling the charges politically encouraged.

His attorneys in the domestic cases stated the spiritual leader appreciates the legal procedure and would respond to the accusations in court while a different counsel would manage the extradition procedures.