MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers on Friday, November 13, welcomed the issuance of an extradition arrest warrant against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy, hailing the court order as a crucial milestone toward achieving justice for his alleged victims.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima and Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña voiced their support following the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) confirmation that the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 145 had issued extradition arrest warrants and hold departure orders against Quiboloy and two associates, Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.
The legal action follows an official extradition request from the United States government. Quiboloy faces federal charges in the US including sex trafficking, bulk cash smuggling, and immigration fraud, stemming from allegations that he and his associates exploited church members over several years.
Domestically, he also faces local charges of human trafficking and child abuse.
De Lima emphasized that the development demonstrates the limits of power and influence.
“This significant development in the case of Apollo Quiboloy is proof that power is fleeting and justice always catches up,” De Lima said in a social media post.
The former Justice secretary also reiterated her appeal for accountability on behalf of all affected individuals, both domestically and internationally.
“Patuloy ang pagdarasal natin ng hustisya para sa lahat ng biktima ng mga kinasasangkutang krimen at pang-aabuso ni Quiboloy sa loob at labas ng ating bansa,” De Lima said.
Echoing these sentiments, Cendaña noted that the court order brings relief to individuals who have endured a lengthy pursuit of accountability.
“We welcome the Makati RTC’s issuance of an extradition arrest warrant for Apollo Quiboloy. Nakikiisa ako sa mga biktima ng kanyang pang-aabuso at pananamantala,” said the lawmaker.
“Their long wait is coming to an end. Justice is on the horizon,” added the party-list lawmaker.
The DOJ stated that the court found sufficient probable cause that the respondents are named in US indictments, that the offenses are extraditable, and that the accused committed the alleged acts.