The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is ready to assist in the extradition of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy and two of his co-accused to the United States.
In an ambush interview on Friday, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said the agency is prepared to provide assistance in the extradition process, which will be handled by the Department of Justice (DOJ), RH Jecelle Ricafort reported.
Matibag said the NBI would coordinate with the DOJ and other law enforcement agencies, subject to the court’s directives.
"We are ready to assist depending on the coordination with the other law enforcement, more importantly with the Department of Justice," Matibag said.
Matibag said the DOJ will oversee the proceedings because it was the agency that filed the extradition petition before the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) on behalf of the United States government.
Asked whether Quiboloy could be flown to the United States before the end of the year, Matibag said he could not provide a definite timeline, noting that the matter is now under the jurisdiction of the court.
He added that Quiboloy must first be presented before the court for an extradition hearing. Based on established practice, Matibag said local authorities are responsible for escorting individuals subject to extradition.
"As of now, wala pang instruction sa amin ang DOJ and the court except for the extradition one. Nasa custody nga siya ng authority 'yung warrant na 'yan they will bring the person to the court... na nag-issue," he said.
Earlier, Makati RTC Branch 145 issued extradition warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused, Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.
The three are facing charges in the United States involving international human trafficking, sex trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
Quiboloy is also facing criminal charges in the Philippines, including qualified human trafficking before a court in Pasig City and child and sexual abuse-related charges before a court in Quezon City.
He is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail.
The KOJC leader has previously denied the allegations, describing them as "politically motivated."
