NBI says it's ready to assist in extradition of Apollo Quiboloy

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to assist in the extradition of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy, the bureau’s director, Atty. Melvin Matibag said Friday.

Earlier Friday, the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued an extradition arrest warrant and a hold departure order against Quiboloy and two of his co-accused, according to the DOJ.

“We are ready to assist depending on our coordination with other law enforcement agencies, more importantly, with the Department of Justice (DOJ),” Matibag told reporters.

Matibag explained that the law enforcement agency holding custody of Quiboloy will be responsible for presenting him in court, noting that the extradition will undergo a process and require a hearing.

“So ‘yung law enforcement who is in care of the person, sila ‘yung mag-present niyan sa court for the hearing— that’s based on the petition filed by the DOJ because of the request of the US Government,” he explained.

(The law enforcement agency that has custody of the individual will be the one to present them in court for the hearing. That is based on the petition filed by the DOJ on behalf of the US government.)

The Davao-based religious leader is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail.

He was arrested in September 2024 on charges of violating Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act. He also faces a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act 9208, as amended, before a Pasig court.

On Monday, the DOJ filed an extradition petition against Quiboloy, Teresita Tolibas Dandan, and Helen Panilag before the Makati RTC on behalf of the US government.

The charges cited in the petition include international human trafficking, sex trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.

Matibag refused to give an estimated timeline for Quiboloy’s extradition, emphasizing that the matter is under the court's jurisdiction.

“We don’t know; depende sa korte (it will depend on the court). I don't like to speculate, and I don't want to be the one saying it because it’s under the jurisdiction of the court,” he said.

As for Quiboloy’s co-accused, Matibag said they have yet to verify Dandan and Panilag's status. –NB, GMA News