MANILA – A formal request to extradite detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy is “forthcoming,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural Manila Strategy Forum in Parañaque City, Romualdez explained that the request would come in the form of a note verbale.

“There is a request but the formal one, which will set the ball rolling, basically, is the formal note verbale, which the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is waiting for,” he said.

He added that the request would be cascaded from the US Department of Justice to the US Department of State, which would then submit the diplomatic note to the DFA.

Romualdez said the decision on whether Quiboloy could be extradited despite his pending cases in the Philippines would ultimately rest with the Department of Justice.

“I think it will be up to Secretary (Jesus Crispin) Remulla on whether he will allow this to take precedence,” he said.

The US extradition request stems from Quiboloy’s 2021 indictment in California on charges of sex trafficking of minors, fraud, and bulk cash smuggling.

The Philippines signed an extradition treaty with the US in November 1994. Under Article 11, the treaty allows the requested state to “temporarily surrender” the person in question if he or she is being prosecuted or serving a sentence in the country.

If the extradition proceeds, Quiboloy would be placed in US custody and “shall be returned” to the Philippines after the conclusion of the proceedings against him, according to the treaty. (PNA)