Kathmandu— The United States has formally requested the extradition of Apollo Quiboloy, a Filipino church leader, to stand trial for charges including child sex trafficking and fraud. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila received the request on Thursday and forwarded it to the Department of Justice. Quiboloy leads the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, founded in 1985 in Davao, which has branches in the US.

Extradition Process

The extradition request needs approval from two Philippine courts that are currently trying Quiboloy for human trafficking and child abuse charges. Under a 1994 treaty between Washington and Manila, Philippine justice officials can ask a domestic court to allow the temporary surrender of a suspect to face trial in another country prior to resolving their local cases.

Allegations Against Quiboloy

Quiboloy was arrested in 2024 on charges of child and sexual abuse as well as human trafficking. He has denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated by critics and former members who were removed from his religious group. In 2021, US federal prosecutors indicted Quiboloy for allegedly having sex with women and underage girls under threats of abuse and “eternal damnation.” Female church members were reportedly recruited to work as personal assistants or “pastorals,” required to prepare meals, clean homes, give massages, and engage in sexual activities.

Political Influence

Quiboloy was an influential religious leader in the Philippines and regarded as a political kingmaker. He served as spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte, who took office in June 2016. Duterte is currently detained in the Netherlands facing trial for alleged crimes against humanity.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.