MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) will begin evaluating the United States government’s request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Malacañang said.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DOJ has received the “voluminous records” supporting the US request, which was transmitted by the US Department of State through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Castro said the DOJ is expected to start reviewing the documents on Monday.

“Sa ngayon, ang paghiling ng US government para sa extradition ni Pastor Quiboloy upang malitis doon sa US para sa kasong sex trafficking, visa fraud, bulk cash smuggling, among others, ay isang bagay na dapat na pag-isipan, ma-evaluate, ma-assess at ma-resolba sa tamang panahon para makamtan ang pinakamataas na antas ng hustisya — hustisya para sa mga ‘di umanong biktima rito at sa US at pati na rin sa akusado,” she said.

Castro said the DFA had earlier confirmed receipt of the US extradition request and endorsed it to the DOJ.

The request is connected to a 2021 indictment against Quiboloy in California involving charges that include sex trafficking of minors, visa fraud, and bulk cash smuggling.

The Philippines and the United States are parties to a 1994 extradition treaty. Under Article 11 of the agreement, the requested country may temporarily surrender a person who is being prosecuted or serving a sentence in its jurisdiction.

If the extradition proceeds, Quiboloy may be temporarily turned over to US authorities for trial and returned to the Philippines after the proceedings, subject to the treaty’s provisions.

Quiboloy was arrested in September 2024 following a two-week standoff between his followers and government forces at the KOJC compound in Davao.

He is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail while facing cases in the Philippines, including qualified human trafficking and child abuse. He has denied the allegations.

The United States has accused Quiboloy of human trafficking and sex offenses, including allegations involving minors.