If convicted of criminal charges, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo C. Quiboloy will serve his sentence here in the Philippines first before he is turned over to United States authorities, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Monday, Sept. 9.
Quiboloy has been charged in the Philippines with qualified human trafficking and child abuse -- both non-bailable -- and in the US with sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.
In a press statement, the DOJ said it “recognizes the country's extradition treaty with the United States where Quiboloy is also facing a string of cases.”
“However, the embattled religious leader will be tried first in the Philippines for crimes he committed here and if convicted, must first serve his sentence before granting any request for extradition by the US,” it said.
The DOJ issued the statement following the arrest of Quiboloy on Sunday, Sept. 8, in Davao City.
"It is also worth mentioning that the road to this apprehension was never an easy task from the get-go considering the overwhelming support, influence, wealth and power of Quiboloy,” said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla.
“State forces were pushed to their limits yet they never deviated within the bounds of law and maintained legality in their every move until this whole hide-and-seek game with Quiboloy has come to an end," he said.
Quiboloy is now detained in the Custodial Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Quezon City.