FACT-CHECK: United States’ extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy is not yet granted

CLAIM: United States’ extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy has been granted.

RATING: FALSE

A Facebook page named “Unofficial PBBM News,” falsely claimed in a post that the United States’ extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy had been granted. It did not cite official sources.

Flagged content: The post, uploaded on Oct. 31, claimed that the United States’ extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy had been granted.

• The caption of the photo reads: “JUST IN: US Extradition Request for Apollo C. Quiboloy, has finally granted” (sic).

Our debunk: On Sept. 9, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez disclosed that a formal request to extradite detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy was “forthcoming.” 

• The envoy said the request would come in the form of a note verbale.

• On Sept. 4, PressOne.PH fact-checked a similar claim on Quiboloy’s extradition issue.
• The report stated that Quiboloy’s extradition was not yet approved, citing that the extradition process follows Presidential Decree No. 1069, which provides rules for the executive branch and the courts in implementing extradition treaties.
• On Aug. 20, Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Mico Clavano stated that a person cannot be extradited from the Philippines while a criminal case against them is pending in court.
• On Sept. 9 last year, the DOJ reported that Quiboloy would face criminal charges and imprisonment in the Philippines before potential extradition to the United States.

Rewind: On Aug. 22, Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña pressed the DOJ to begin Quiboloy’s extradition to the United States, citing confirmation from Romualdez, regarding a pending extradition request from the United States.

• On Sept. 8 last year, Quiboloy was arrested by Philippine authorities after a two-week manhunt and standoff with supporters at his compound in Davao City.
• On March 5 last year, the DOJ announced that Quiboloy and his associates faced charges filed by the Davao City Prosecutor’s office, including sexual abuse, child abuse, and human trafficking.

Why we fact-check this: As of writing, the Facebook post has amassed 8,000 reactions, 1,800 comments, and 341 shares.

• The issue regarding Quiboloy’s approved US extradition keeps resurfacing.

Spot the fake: Do not be deceived by posts from unverified accounts—always check verified sources before believing claims made on social media.

• Unverified extradition claims can create reputational damage, emotional distress, and legal ramifications. Jamaica Cabilis

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