Makati court finds probable cause for warrants against KOJC leader, two associates as US seeks their extradition over trafficking charges
MANILA (November 14) — Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and two of his associates face arrest and a travel ban after a Makati court issued warrants against them in connection with the United States government’s extradition request over alleged human trafficking and sex trafficking offenses.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Regional Trial Court Branch 145 issued the arrest warrants and hold departure orders on Nov. 12 against Quiboloy, Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.
The court found probable cause that the three were covered by US arrest warrants and indictments, that the offenses charged were extraditable, and that the alleged acts fell within the grounds for extradition.
The hold departure orders prohibit them from leaving the Philippines while the extradition proceedings are pending.
The DOJ filed the extradition petition on Nov. 9 on behalf of the US government. It was docketed as R-MKT-26-02823-SP and assigned to Branch 145, presided over by Judge Karen Matti Sy.
The three respondents will be personally served with summons and copies of the petition and supporting documents once the court is informed that the arrest warrants have been implemented, in accordance with extradition procedures.
They will have 15 days from receipt of the summons to submit their verified answers.
The US charges stem from a 2021 federal grand jury indictment in California involving alleged sex trafficking through force, fraud and coercion, sex trafficking of children, international human trafficking and bulk cash smuggling.
The DOJ clarified that extradition proceedings are not criminal trials and do not establish the guilt or innocence of the respondents. The merits of the criminal charges will be determined by the courts in the country where they may eventually be extradited.
Quiboloy also faces separate criminal proceedings in the Philippines, including qualified human trafficking charges before a Pasig City court and child and sexual abuse cases before a Quezon City court.
He remains detained at the Pasig City jail.
The KOJC leader has denied the allegations, describing the cases against him as politically motivated.
The latest court action adds another legal front for Quiboloy, as Philippine authorities move to address the US government’s request to bring him and his co-respondents before American courts.
