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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ vows to run after 'cult' leaders, members for 'abuses' vs children, others

DOJ vows to run after 'cult' leaders, members for 'abuses' vs children, others

Published Sep 25, 2023 07:07 am

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Thursday, Oct. 5, vowed to run after the leaders and members of the alleged cult in Surigao del Norte, the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI), should they be found to have committed crimes.

In a statement, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that Remulla met with Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian and officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the welfare of the children still with SBSI in Sitio Kapihan in Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

It said that Remulla Remulla expressed his intention to pursue any cases that may result from the joint efforts and the "DOJ is ready to assist in any case build-up needed to further strengthen the evidence against the perpetrators.”

“If the evidence is there, we will not be impartial. We will pursue the perpetrators. We are for the Filipino children,” the DOJ said. 

It said the meeting was held to address reports of  alleged child abuse, and forced labor and marriage committed by SBSI.

It also said "the national government found it prudent to calibrate a concerted and coordinated plan to address the pressing issues.”

“The Departments and agencies at the meeting shared their respective pertinent information for the appreciation of the team. On the basis of the shared information, concrete steps were planned,” it added.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has already filed a complaint, now pending with the DOJ, against members of the SBSI including its leader, Jey Rence B. Quilario who is also known as "Senior Agila."

They 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; Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) on kidnapping and serious illegal detention;  RA 11596, an Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties in Violation Thereof; and RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Exploitation and Discrimination.

Also named respondents in the complaint were 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.

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