Probe launched into alleged misuse of cash grants by Surigao 'cult'
MANILA, Philippines — Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday launched an investigation into claims that an alleged cult in Surigao del Norte might be wrongfully taking government cash grants intended for its members.
The move comes following revelations made by Sen. Risa Hontiveros on September 18 about alleged illegal activities by Socorro Bayanihan Services.
In a statement issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday, Gatchalian stressed the need for swift action.
He said that Sitio Kapihan has 74 households benefiting from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), with an additional 503 households in Barangay Siring.
"We’ve already spoken about getting our city and municipal teams to check on the well-being of these 4Ps beneficiaries in that area,” the DSWD chief said.
Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate committee on women and children, said in a privilege on Monday that "a community of children in Socorro, Surigao del Norte is crying for help."
The senator revealed that Socorro Bayanihan Services, which started as a civic organization, eventually evolved into a cult.
It is led by a certain Jey Rence, also known as "Senior Agila", who was groomed into becoming the next “messiah” by being declared as the reincarnation of the Santo Niño.
The accusations against Senior Agila and 12 others include arranging forced marriages among women and minors, enforcing sexual relations "for salvation," imposing forced labor and forming unauthorized armed groups. — Kristine Daguno-Bersamina with a report from Gaea Katreena Cabico
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