MANILA, Philippines — The United States has formally requested the extradition of a Filipino pastor accused of sex-trafficking and fraud, according to Philippine officials. The pastor, Apollo Quiboloy, is a prominent leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church and was once an influential adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte. The extradition request comes as part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to bring individuals wanted on federal charges to trial.
The request was confirmed by the Philippines’ ambassador to Washington, who stated that the U.S. has formally asked for Quiboloy’s extradition. Quiboloy is currently in the Philippines and faces charges including child sex trafficking and fraud, which have placed him on the FBI’s most wanted list. His church, which has a large following, has been the subject of scrutiny over allegations of financial misconduct and illegal activities.
The U.S. has also requested the extradition of other individuals, including those linked to the Pax Silica project, a controversial infrastructure initiative backed by the Marcos administration. However, the focus on Quiboloy highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations over legal cooperation and human rights concerns.
The Philippine government is now tasked with reviewing the extradition request, which could lead to a legal battle over the pastor’s future. (globalnation.inquirer.net)
