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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ to form technical group to secure affidavits of minors 'abused' by a 'cult' in Surigao del Norte

DOJ to form technical group to secure affidavits of minors 'abused' by a 'cult' in Surigao del Norte

Published Sep 20, 2023 10:08 am

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to mobilize a technical working group (TWG) to secure the statements of minors who were reportedly abused by the Socorro Bayanihan Services, an alleged cult in Surigao del Norte.

“We are forming a TWG composed of DOJ and DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) para po maganda ang environment kung saan sila magtetestify o magbibigay ng statement para isang beses lang(so that a pleasant environment will be provided for them to testify or issue statements),” DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano told reporters on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

“Iperpetualize natin ‘yung mga testimony nila gagamitin sa preliminary investigation, gagamitin sa korte para one time lang ‘yung pagrelive nila ng trauma (We will perpetualize their testimony that will be used for the preliminary investigation and before the courts to relieve them of their trauma),” Clavano said. 

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) already filed before the Surigao del Norte Provincial Prosecutor’s Office last June criminal complaints against the 13 members of the cult including their leader Jey Rence B. Quilario who is also known as "Senior Agila."

The 13 respondents were accused of violations 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.

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.

“With cases like these kasi ang pinakacomplainant ‘yung mga bata. Dahil nga doon sa complexity na sangkot din ‘yung mga parents minsan nahihirapan tayo. (With cases like these the complainants are the children. There is difficulty due to complexity of the cases where the parents are also involved). We don’t want the children to relive the trauma over and over,” Clavano stressed. 

He said the preliminary investigation of the cases have not yet started due to the motions filed by the respondents that sought the inhibitions of prosecutors from handling the complaints.

“Whether or not their (motions to inhibit) will be granted, we’re starting to move for these cases to be lodged here at the Department of Justice main office,” he also said.

Though the complaints have already been filed, Clavano said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla has ordered the NBI to conduct a deeper investigation of the cult.

“We will look into all of these allegations,” assured Clavano amid the revelations made by Senator Risa Hontiveros about the cult.

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