A Philippine court has issued an extradition arrest warrant against jailed preacher Apollo Quiboloy, advancing Washington’s bid to prosecute him for alleged child sex trafficking.

MANILA: A Philippine court has ordered the arrest of a jailed preacher sought by Washington for alleged child sex trafficking, a step toward his possible extradition to the United States, Manila said Saturday.

Self-proclaimed “Son of God” Apollo Quiboloy is currently being held without bail in a Philippine prison while on trial for a separate charge of human trafficking, which carries life in prison if convicted.

Manila filed a petition with a lower court on Monday to authorise his extradition to the United States, Philippine justice department spokesman Polo Martinez told AFP.