Woman, 84, burned in ritual killing

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — Cult members tossed their 84-year-old matriarch into a bonfire in what they considered as a “death ritual” in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental on Sunday.

Teofila Cabungay suffered severe burns on her face and various parts of her body. She died a day after she was taken to a hospital.

Probers said 15 members of a family were charged with parricide on Tuesday.

The alleged cult leader, Crisanto Cabusas, 29, reportedly ordered his relatives to burn the victim.

Police said Cabusas and six other family members were arrested after the grandchildren of the victim sought police assistance.

Maj. Teodoro de Oro, Balingasag police chief, identified the other suspects as Nicolas, Reymar Carlo, Charlie, Rayna and Jocelyn, all surnamed Cabusas, and Romeo Ercilla.

A manhunt for the other suspects, Rosalinda and Merlinda Cabusas and Jesee and Giselle Ercilla is underway.

Initial investigation showed the suspects danced around the fire while chanting unintelligible words during the ritual.

“It was in the middle of the ritual that Crisanto Cabusas reportedly ordered to throw the matriarch on fire because of her sins,” De Oro said.

Camungay was burned because she reportedly refused to join the cult.

The victim was said to be a member of a religious organization based in Jasaan town.