The legal team representing Apollo Quiboloy, led by Atty. Israelito Torreon, has emphasized their client’s condition for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to issue a written guarantee that Quiboloy will not be extradited to the United States. Quiboloy faces multiple charges in the U.S., including conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, coercion, and sex trafficking of children.
Torreon stated that Quiboloy might cease pursuing legal remedies against the arrest warrants issued for him if Marcos provides a formal commitment against his extradition. This condition comes as police continue their search for Quiboloy, who remains at large. Authorities have been combing the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, covering approximately 40% to 50% of the property so far.
When asked on Super Radyo dzBB whether Quiboloy’s strategy involves exhausting all legal options while evading capture, Torreon responded, “That is within our rule of law.” He suggested that the legal battles might end if President Marcos commits in writing not to extradite Quiboloy to the U.S.
Quiboloy’s insistence on staying in the Philippines stems from his desire to clear his name locally, believing the U.S. case against him to be weak. Torreon pointed out that a previous case against Quiboloy was dismissed by the city prosecution office, describing the petition for review as “defective” and dismissible.
In addition to sex trafficking, Quiboloy faces other charges in the U.S., including fraud, coercion, marriage fraud, visa misuse, bulk cash smuggling, and various forms of money laundering. Despite these allegations, Quiboloy has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Earlier this year, Quiboloy stated his willingness to face the charges, provided that President Marcos and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla issue written assurances against his extradition and non-interference in his cases. Quiboloy also demanded similar guarantees from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
President Marcos previously assured that Quiboloy would receive a fair trial in the Philippines, expressing confidence that U.S. involvement would not affect the proceedings. “All the proceedings will be fair. Now, as to the involvement of the United States… That’s going to take years. So I don’t think that’s something he needs to worry about, quite frankly,” Marcos commented during an April interview in Bacolod City.
Despite assurances, Quiboloy has remained in hiding since April, following the issuance of arrest warrants by courts in Pasig, Davao, and the Central District of California. The U.S. arrest warrant issued by Judge Terry Hatter Jr. charges Quiboloy with conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, fraud, coercion, and cash smuggling.
Torreon reiterated that Quiboloy’s actions are legally justified, asserting that he is not a fugitive. He noted that the Supreme Court has affirmed the right of the accused to question the legality of arrest warrants and pursue appeals, which does not qualify Quiboloy as a fugitive under the law.
Quiboloy’s camp remains focused on utilizing all available legal remedies, despite his non-compliance with the arrest warrants issued against him.