MANILA — Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and televangelist Apollo Quiboloy is prepared to face the extradition petition filed against him by the United States government, according to his legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon.
Torreon stated on Friday, November 13, that the legal action came as no surprise to the religious leader, who is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail.
Torreon clarified that his own legal representation is limited to Quiboloy’s pending local criminal cases before the Pasig and Quezon City courts, and that a separate legal team is handling the extradition proceedings.
“Please be informed that Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy has been informed of the extradition proceedings filed against him. They do not come as a surprise to him. He has expected them, and he is ready to face them in court, through the proper legal process and before the proper forum,” Torreon said in a statement.
He stressed that the defense intends to address the allegations through legal channels rather than in public discussions.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Monday that the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) has already issued an extradition arrest warrant and a hold departure order against Quiboloy.
Meanwhile, DOJ Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez reported that the prosecution has concluded presenting its evidence for the qualified trafficking case before the Pasig RTC and is preparing to formally submit it. Proceedings for Quiboloy’s separate child abuse case under RA 7610 remain ongoing before the Quezon City RTC.
“For the child abuse case under RA 7610 pending before RTC QC, the prosecution is still in the process of presenting its evidence,” Martinez stated.
Torreon reiterated that the defense team will continue to address the local charges vigorously, appealing for public restraint and adherence to constitutional due process.
“In the criminal cases, we will continue to defend Pastor Quiboloy fully and vigorously. We ask the public and the media to respect the presumption of innocence that the Constitution guarantees to every accused,” Torreon added.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has stated its readiness to coordinate with the DOJ and other agencies regarding the extradition process.