PH envoy says US request for Quiboloy extradition has been with DOJ since June

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the US's request for the extradition of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was sent to the Philippine government as early as June.

Romualdez said the extradition request, as well as the documents and pieces of evidence in Quiboloy's cases, are already with the Department of Justice.

"I can confirm the documents/evidence for the extradition request are all now with the DOJ. They have been there since June," Romualdez told GMA News Online.

Romualdez said US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla are expected to meet next week to discuss the issue.

GMA News Online is seeking comment from the DOJ regarding the extradition request that was transmitted in June and the expected meeting between the secretary and the US ambassador.

"I was told by the DFA secretary, Tess Lazaro, that they haven’t received any request for extradition," Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said when sought for comment regarding the extradition request.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said the DOJ had no information yet on the extradition request.

When asked if an individual facing charges in the country may be extradited, Clavano said courts may act on cases with urgency to prevent delaying a valid extradition.

“The rule is that he must first face trial and, if convicted, serve his sentence here before extradition may proceed,” he said.

“However, courts retain the power to act on cases with urgency, so if circumstances warrant, we may move to resolve proceedings in order not to unduly delay a valid extradition request,” he added.

The US Embassy in Manila referred the question to the US Department of Justice when asked for comment. –NB, GMA Integrated News