Cult leader, helper nabbed for rape

CEBU, Philippines —  The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Mandaue Field Unit has arrested an alleged notorious religious cult leader and faith healer for allegedly committing two counts of rape.

The authorities said the accused, Teodoro Rico Feriol, identified himself as “Dios Amahan” who allegedly manipulated his victims for a “spiritual obligation” through sexual exploitation.

Personnel of the NBI said Feriol is a cult leader who belongs to Higawnon Spiritual Consultation Services, and maintained a temple at Udlom, San Isidro, Asturias, Cebu where he was also arrested early dawn of Thursday, May 12, 2022.

NBI-Mandaue officer-in-charge, Arnel Pura, said the complainants who were victims of Feriol were both females, including a minor.

According to Pura, the Regional Trial Court in Toledo City issued two warrants of arrest for two separate cases of rape.

The crimes were committed in 2020 and in 2021, respectively. These charges have no recommended bail.

Executive officer Agapito Gierran said that the commission of rape had something to do with the beliefs of the cult that Feriol reportedly leads.

"The manipulation made the subject himself, who represented himself as Dios Amahan, or God the Father, the subject is also spiritual healer, some of his victims are his followers," said Gierran.

According to him, the moment a patient is healed, he requires them to undergo a “mission” at their temple.

Investigation revealed that the sexual exploitations were being done during this so-called mission.

During the operation, Gierran said it was hard for them to penetrate the area since, aside from it being located in a mountainous part, the area was surrounded with men believed to be “gun-for-hire”.

In an interview, the accused denied the accusations adding that he couldn't do such acts.

"Di na namo pwede buhaton kay mawagtangan man mig power, mawad-an man mig espirito," he told the media.

He also denied leading a cult, adding that their healing service is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry.

"Dili pud hinuon business kay di man mi mosingil, depende lang unsa ilang dal-on, kay amo ra pud kan-on," said Feriol.

Suspect is now detained at the NBI-Mandaue District Office.

Talisay incident

Meanwhile, a male helper who allegedly raped the daughter of his employer was arrested by the Talisay City police in Barangay Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu morning of Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Authorities identified the accused as Laurence Campaña, 26, whose name ranks as the sixth most wanted person in the city.

Lt. Colonel Randy Caballes, Talisay City Police Station chief, said the warrant of arrest was issued by Judge Romso A. Reyes Jr., of RTC Branch 7 in Talisay City.

The warrant of arrest for statutory rape was issued on April 13, 2022 which no bail is recommended.

According to Caballes, the crime of rape was committed inside the house of Campaña's employer on February 11, 2022.

"Nagtrabaho ni as boy/helper. Ang gi-raped anak sa iyang amo," Caballes said.

Further checking revealed that the accused has faced a case of qualified theft prior to the commission of alleged rape with the same complainant, his employer.

"After sa hitabo didto na ni siya sa Lapu-Lapu nagtago ug nanarbaho sa Mepza isip tighugas ug plato sa canteen didto," said Caballes.

The accused is now under the custody of the police. — GMR (FREEMAN)