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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate panel set to probe Surigao del Norte 'cult'

Senate panel set to probe Surigao del Norte 'cult'

Published Sep 23, 2023 10:42 am

At A Glance

  • A Senate panel is set to conduct an inquiry into the so-called religious cult in Surigao del Norte, particularly on the allegations of human rights violations, its link to the illegal drug trade, and the presence of armed individuals.

A Senate panel is set to conduct an inquiry into the so-called religious cult in Surigao del Norte, particularly on the allegations of human rights violations, its link to the illegal drug trade, and the presence of armed individuals.

In a radio interview on DWIZ, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said that the inquiry is scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 28.

"Marami tayong iimbestigahan dito na mga allegations kung talaga bang ito ay totoo kaya magpapatawag tayo ng investigation para malaman ang katotohanan. At kung mayroon man talagang paglabag sa human rights at paglabag sa batas ito'y dapat maaksyunan ng ating gobyerno (We will investigate a lot of allegations here and if these are legitimate, that's why we we look into this to find out the truth. And if there are indeed human rights violations and illegalities, this must be addressed by the government)," he said.

In a privilege speech of Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, Sept. 18, she bared that the cult called Socorro Bayanihan Services has allegedly victimized over 1,000 children while hiding in the mountainous portion of the municipality.

The planned probe also stemmed from the letter Dela Rosa received from the incumbent Socorro Mayor Riza Timcang, who enumerated the allegations in detail.

Some of the alleged violations was the presence of an illegal drug laboratory; children not being allowed to leave the compound; and the alleged involvement of its leader, a certain Jey Rence or "Senior Agila", in sexual acts with minors. 

 

Dela Rosa added that if the husband of one of the members leaves the cult, his wife will be forced to marry again.

Dela Rosa said that the leader was invited along with Timcang, as well as the witnesses and other complainants. The senator said that they are coordinating with the local police to reach the cult.

According to Hontiveros, the 17-year-old leaderwas allegedly groomed by three-term Socorro Mayor and former board member Mamerto Galanida to be the next “Messiah” and the “new Jesus".

She added that Timcang has formed a task force to look into the cult’s operation. However, they are helpless as the children’s parents have filed a habeas corpus writ to take back custody of the minors. One of the minors had been returned to the group.

Dela Rosa said the group isn’t something that the Senate would meddle with as long as there are no human rights violations and illegal activities.

Related Tags

Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa Socorro cult Senator Risa Hontiveros
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