MANILA, Philippines — Alleged cult leader Jey Rence Quilario, also known as Senior Agila, and 12 other members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. have been charged with qualified trafficking and child abuse before a court in Surigao del Norte, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said yesterday.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said 21 cases were filed against Quilario and his co-accused before the Surigao del Norte Regional Trial Court Branch 3.
Aside from qualified traffic-king and child abuse, the complaints included facilitation and solemnization of child marriages.
Although the complaints were lodged before a local court, Remulla said there is a possi-bility that the case would be transferred to Manila or to other venues, to prevent people with vested interest from interfering in the process.
Remulla said he expects the court to issue arrest warrants against Quilario and the respondents as a majority of them are still at large.
Four including Quilario are detained at the Senate.
A hold order against the respondents has also been sought from the court, according to the DOJ.
Aside from Quilario, charged were former Socorro mayor Mamerto Galanida, Janeth Ajoc, Ibrahim Adlao, Jovelito Atchecoso, Daryl Buntad, Wenefredo Buntad, Sergio Cubillan, Jonry Elandag, Giovanni Lasala, Yure Gary Portillo, Florencio Quiban and Karren Sanico Jr.