‘TAKE ACTION’ | Urgent probe sought over alleged abuses of cult in Surigao del Norte

September 28, 2023 , 12:25 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(September 28, 2023) – Senators on Thursday resumed their investigation into a cult in Surigao del Norte in a bid to hold accountable its leaders who allegedly perpetuate illegal acts against their members, especially children.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who heads the panel on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, said they are not against local organizations but she stressed that the government must draw the line when abuses already arise, citing the case of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI).

“Suportado ko ang mga lehitimong people’s organizations at ang right to organize. But when organizations are used to abuse children, when they are used to avoid the laws of the land, we need to take action,” said Hontiveros in her opening speech.

According to Hontiveros, cults evade responsibility for their wrongful acts through the “excessive control” they exhibit over their members. She also raised the alarm over the reported “deviant practices” of SBSI.

“Bakit tila may sarili silang gobyerno, at tila kumukuha itong gobyerno ng ‘donations’ mula sa ayuda ng mga tao na galing sa gobyerno at sa ating mga nagbabayad ng buwis?” said Hontiveros, referring to SBSI’s Nueva Jerusalem Esperanza Ministry Government. “Mayroon pa silang sariling Ministry of Budget and Finance.”

Last week, SBSI vice president Mamerto Galanida denied the sexual abuse and other allegations hurled against them, claiming that a former member was only harboring hatred toward the organization.

“Kung totoo ‘yan (sexual abuse), ‘yung parents should be the first one to cry foul,” said Galanida on One News’ The Big Story last week.

He refuted claims that SBSI head Jey Rence Quilario, who’s also known as “Senior Agila,” presents himself as a messiah, noting that he only serves as the leader. He added that they are willing to respond to all the accusations raised against their group.

“Handa kami, handang handa. Maski anong forum pa ‘yan. If possible, para ma-interview nila ‘yung parents, ma-interview ‘yung mga tao rito kung anong nangyari,” said Galanida.

Earlier this week, the Department of Justice said the preliminary investigation into the complaints of kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and qualified trafficking against SBSI will take place in Manila.

Hontiveros was not convinced by SBSI’s denials in light of the sentiments of witnesses.

Child marriage, according to the minority lawmaker, must not be overlooked because of its serious implications.

She reiterated that lawmakers and law enforcement organizations must quickly respond to the issue to ensure that children would no longer be in danger. She stressed that they only aim to bring to justice those who commit troubling offenses.

“‘Pag managot ang may sala, mapoprotektahan ang inyong mga anak, mababalik sila sa pag-aaral, at buong buo ang inyong mga assistance mula sa gobyerno,” said Hontiveros.

(PM)

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