THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) said Monday Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy would have to face the criminal charges against him, and if convicted, serve prison sentence in the Philippines first before he is turned over to the United States.
In a statement, the DOJ said that while it recognizes the extradition treaty with the US, where Quiboloy is also facing a string of cases, “the embattled religious leader will be tried first in the Philippines for crimes he committed here.”
“And if convicted, (he) must first serve his sentence before granting any request for extradition by the US,” it added.
Quiboloy is facing child abuse and human trafficking charges in the Philippines.
In the US, he is indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.
Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla hailed the “zealousness and perseverance” of law enforcers that led to Quiboloy’s apprehension.
“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.
Since June, authorities have been on the hunt for Quiboloy in connection with the implementation of arrest warrants against him.
He and his four aides were apprehended on Sept. 8 at the KOJC compound in Davao City.
The police said negotiation for their surrender started around 1:30 p.m. when they were issued a 24-hour ultimatum to come out of one of the buildings inside the compound or they would storm the area.
At around 6:30 p.m., a military aircraft flew them out of Davao City and landed at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 8:30 p.m.
They are now at the PNP custodial center in Camp Crame. (Benjamin Pulta)
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