Prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, Oct. 9, conducted a clarificatory hearing on the complaints filed against leaders and members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI), an alleged cult in Surigao del Norte.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV said SBSI leader Jey Rence B. Quilario, who is also known as “Senior Agila,” was at the DOJ and attended the clarificatory hearing being conducted by the panel of prosecutors tasked to conduct the preliminary investigation (PI) of the complaints.
“After the clarificatory hearing, they will already set the PI,” Clavano said as he explained that the hearing was done to clarify certain issues concerning the complaints. The issues subject of the hearing were not disclosed by Clavano.
“They have to get certain facts straight para maayos yung PI,” he said.
The complaints were filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) last June before the Prosecutor's Office in Surigao del Norte.
But Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla ordered the transfer of the complaints to the DOJ main office in Manila for the conduct of the preliminary investigation due to threats in Surigao del Norte.
There are 13 respondents named in the complaints including Quilario. The other respondents are Mamerto Galanida; Karren J. Sanico Jr.; Janeth T. Ajoc; Wenefredo S. Buntad; Giovanni Leogin C. Lasala; Ibrahim L. Adlao; Jovelito L. Atchecoso; Sergio A. Cubillan; Daryl R. Buntad; Jonry C. Elandag; Yure Gary Q. Portilio; and Florencio C. Quiban.
They were accused of violation of Section 4 in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; and kidnapping and serious illegal detention as defined and penalized under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); violation of RA 11596, an Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties in Violation Thereof; and violation RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Exploitation and Discrimination.