Raps filed vs Surigao del Norte ‘cult’ members

MANILA, Philippines — Charges of qualified trafficking as well as kidnapping and serious illegal detention will be filed against members of a group in Socorro, Surigao del Norte who have been accused of rape and forced marriage of children.

Department of Justice spokesman Mico Clavano said the National Bureau of Investigation had recommended the filing of charges against Jey Rence Quilario, alleged leader of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., and 12 other SBSI members back in June.

Clavano said no preliminary investigation was conducted because prosecutors were asked to inhibit. Motions to inhibit were also granted, he said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros bared the alleged abuses in a privilege speech on Monday as she sought a congressional inquiry into the activities of the group.

Hontiveros said the SBSI, which is operating as a civic organization, shows ”cult” behavior.

Quilario, who calls himself a messiah and also known as Senior Agila, allegedly ”facilitated marriages of children as young as 12 years old and locked adolescents in a room for them to engage in sexual activities.”

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. urged witnesses to come forward and cooperate with law enforcers to build a strong case against the suspects.

In an interview over dzBB yesterday, SBSI vice president Mamerto Galanida, a former town mayor, denied Hontiveros’ allegations, adding that they are ready to face any investigation. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab