The United States has formally requested the extradition of the Filipino evangelical pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted on sex-trafficking charges, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.
The department confirmed receipt of the request, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported. It did not say when a decision would be made or which agency would review it.
Quiboloy founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, which is based in Davao City and claims a substantial following in the Philippines and abroad. He was added to the FBI's most wanted list in 2022 in connection with a federal indictment filed in California.
Extradition requests between the two countries are governed by a bilateral treaty and reviewed by Philippine courts before any transfer can proceed. The process can take years when contested.
Quiboloy has denied the allegations against him.