MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) the United States government’s petition for the extradition of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Carreon Quiboloy and two of his co-accused.

In a statement Tuesday night, the DOJ said the petition, filed on November 9, was raffled to Makati RTC Branch 145, presided over by Judge Karen Matti Sy.

Also covered by the extradition request are Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.

The DOJ said the request stems from multiple criminal charges filed in the United States, including international human trafficking, sex trafficking, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling.

“The U.S. Court issued warrants of arrest against the respondents, which remain valid and executable,” the DOJ said.

Under the updated Rules of Extradition, the extradition court will issue arrest warrants against the individuals sought for extradition. The clerk of court will then issue the corresponding summonses, which, together with the petition and its annexes, must be personally served on the respondents.

The DOJ clarified that extradition proceedings in the Philippines are sui generis, or distinct administrative-judicial proceedings, and are not criminal trials. The extradition court does not determine the guilt or innocence of the respondents, as this will be decided by the courts of the requesting state.

“His guilt or innocence will be adjudged in the court of the state where he will be extradited,” the DOJ said.

The department explained that judicial proceedings are required because extradition affects an individual’s personal liberty and must be subject to constitutional safeguards and due process.

The process also allows Philippine courts to independently assess the validity of the foreign government’s request, determine whether the alleged offenses constitute crimes under the laws of both countries, and establish a prima facie case before authorizing extradition.

Quiboloy is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail over qualified human trafficking and other charges.