DOJ: No US extradition request for Quiboloy yet

Apollo Quiboloy| PHOTO: Official website of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy

The Philippine government has yet to receive an extradition request for Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy from the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Friday.

Jose Dominic Clavano, spokesperson for the DOJ, issued the statement following a report that Central District of California Judge Terry Hatter Jr. has ordered the unsealing of the arrest warrants against Quiboloy.

The televangelist has been indicted for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.

READ: DOJ orders multiple raps to be filed vs Quiboloy

Clavano declined to comment on what would happen if Quiboloy’s extradition would be requested. “It’s difficult, however, to speak on hypothetical situations,” he said.

The DOJ official, however, vowed the agency would ensure that justice will be served to the alleged victims of Quiboloy. Clavano mentioned the recent reversal of dismissed charges against him.

READ: US Embassy ‘confident’ Quiboloy will ‘face justice for heinous crimes’ 

“The government’s goal is to attain justice in whatever form and through the best forum. The decision to resolve came as a result of almost a year of verifying the evidence on record as well as the identity of the alleged victim,” he said.

Responding to the subpoena issued by the House committee on legislative franchises, Quiboloy’s legal counsel, meanwhile, submitted three names who would represent the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) during the committee’s inquiry instead of him.

The House panel is investigating SMNI’s alleged violations of the terms of its franchise, including making threats against a lawmaker and spreading disinformation.