NBI ARRESTS SOCORRO ‘CULT’ LEADER, OTHERS

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday arrested Jey Rence Quilario also known as “Senior Agila” and 12 other officers of the doomsday cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc.(SBSI) for alleged violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and human rights abuses.

The SBSI alleged cult leader and the 12 others were arrested outside the Senate building right after a hearing conducted by the Senate Committees on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and of Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

The Senate panels have been conducting investigation into the alleged abuses perpetrated by the group.

Aside from Quilario, also arrested were Mamerto Digal Galanida, Karren Juanite Sanico, Janeth Tamayo Ajoc, Wenefredo Sarong Buntad, Giovanni Leogin Carduza Lasala, Ibrahim Laugo Adlao, Jovelito Libay Atchecoso, Sergio Angcog Cubillan, Daryl Ruaya Buntad, Jonry Caindoy Ilandag,Yure Gary Quiban Portillo, and Florencio Cosmiano Quiban

No bail was recommended for their temporary liberty.

Prosecutors filed charges against Quilario and the 12 others with the Dapa Regional Trial Court Branch 31 in Surigao del Norte..

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said 21 cases for qualified trafficking in person, facilitation of child marriages and solemnization of child marriages, and child abuse were filed against the respondents on Monday.

The issue first came to light after Senator Risa Hontiveros alleged in September that more than 1,000 minors were sexually abused by a religious “cult” in Socorro town in Surigao del Norte.