US seeks extradition of Philippines 'Son of God' preacher accused of sexual abuse

The US has requested the extradition of Philippine celebrity pastor Apollo Quiboloy, accused of sex trafficking and abuse, from the Philippines to face charges in the US.

The U.S. has requested ​the extradition of a Philippine ​celebrity pastor accused of ‌sex trafficking and ​sexually abusing his followers, Philippine officials said on Thursday. Apollo Quiboloy, the self-styled "Appointed Son of God" ‌who founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church, is on the "most wanted" list of the FBI in the U.S., where he was charged with ‌running a sex-trafficking operation that threatened young victims with "eternal damnation" and ‌physical abuse.

Quiboloy has denied any wrongdoing. Philippine ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez and Manila's foreign ministry said that a formal request for the extradition of Quiboloy has ⁠been ​transmitted to the ⁠Department of Justice.

Quiboloy's lawyer said they could not yet comment on the request since they ⁠had not received a formal notice. Extradition is not immediate, as the Philippine ​justice ministry must first assess the U.S. request before filing a petition ⁠with a Philippine court, which then reviews the case.

Quiboloy is also facing ⁠several ​criminal charges in the Philippines, including sexually abusing a child. He was arrested at the KOJC's 30-hectare compound in the southern Philippine city ⁠of Davao in September 2024. He denies wrongdoing. Quiboloy, a longtime friend ⁠of former President ⁠Rodrigo Duterte, is followed by millions of people in the Philippines, where church leaders hold heavy sway in ‌politics.