Last Friday (February 4), the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released the “most wanted” posters of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy together with his two followers Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag. The posters stated that anyone who knows the whereabouts of Quiboloy and two of his companions should only report to the nearest FBI office. Quiboloy has been accused of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
In November 2021, the U.S. Federal Grand Jury indicted Quiboloy including his officers of sex trafficking girls age 12, forcing young women to have sex to him under threat of “eternal damnation” and violation of immigration law.
Quiboloy immediately denied the accusations however the accusations all against him does not true. Quiboloy’s lawyers said in the “wanted” list released by the FBI, their client can be extradited if the legal process is followed both in the US and here in the Philippines. Quiboloy did not hide and he continues his regular preaching program on radio and TV in Davao City.
According to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, they have not yet received any notice or communication from the U.S. government regarding the possible extradition of Quiboloy but he stressed that it will go through due process. He also said that there was no special treatment for Quiboloy.
No one can say how far Quiboloy’s case will go but when it comes to the point that extradition needs to be implemented, he and his prosecution colleagues must work together to have the opportunity to defend themselves in court. This is the best that can be done.