NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Senator Hontiveros Seeks Probe Into Alleged Cult's Rampant Rape, Abuse, And Child Marriages In Socorro, Surigao Del Norte
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senator Risa Hontiveros has submitted Proposed Senate Resolution No. 797, pushing for a comprehensive investigation into a cult accused of perpetrating rape, sexual abuse, forced labor, and child marriage within the confines of Socorro, Surigao del Norte.
The alleged cult, which goes by the name Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) but is now colloquially known as Omega de Salonera, reportedly revolves around the belief that one Jey Rence Quilario is their proclaimed Messiah. Shockingly, this cult boasts a staggering membership of 3,650 individuals, including a disconcerting 1,587 children, all residing within a heavily guarded and secluded enclave atop a mountain, referred to as Sitio Kapihan, within the municipality of Socorro.
Senator Hontiveros voiced her profound concern, stating, "Nakakakilabot ang nabuong kulto sa Surigao. Pero mas nakakakilabot at nakakagalit ang mga kaso ng panggagahasa, pananakit, at pilit na pagkakasal na ginawa sa mga menor de edad. We must put an end to this. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women and Children, and as a mother, I ask us not to allow this monstrosity to continue."
Proposed Senate Resolution No. 797 provides compelling accounts from direct and firsthand testimonies. These accounts allege that Quilario, who also goes by the alias Senior Agila, engaged in acts of sexual abuse and violence against minors. The accusations include coercing children into sleeping with him, overseeing child marriages with adults, and confining adolescents to rooms to facilitate sexual activities, among other shocking claims.
Senator Hontiveros shared another distressing revelation, "Last July, eight children ran away from the cult after repeated instances of abuse and exploitation. These children are in grave and present danger. Makapangyarihan at may impluwensya ang kulto. Ginagawa nila ngayon ang lahat para makuha mula sa LGU at DSWD ang mga bata. The children's parents, who are still part of the cult, are asked to file petitions for habeas corpus, in order to recover the minors from the local government."
"Ang malala, nagtagumpay na sila sa isang bata at plano nilang isa-isahin ang mga nakatakas na bata hangga't sa bumalik sa kulto. Ang mga bata na po mismo ang nagmamakaawa na huwag na silang ibalik doon. Bakit nga naman nilang gugustuhing bumalik sa isang komunidad, sa isang lider na nanloloko, nanggagahasa, at nananakit sa kanila?" added the senator.
Furthermore, Hontiveros uncovered that both minors and adults within the cult were subjected to forced labor, under threat of physical punishment. Additionally, they were compelled to relinquish a staggering 40-60% of their social welfare benefits, which included programs like 4Ps, senior citizen pensions, TUPAD, and AICS, to Quilario.
"This sorcery should be stopped. Pati pera ng taumbayan napupunta sa kulto. Isang malaking scammer itong si Senior Agila. Huwag nating hayaang ipagkait niya sa libo-libong mga bata ang kanilang mga pangarap at kinabukasan. We need to save those children now," Hontiveros concluded, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The alleged cult, which goes by the name Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) but is now colloquially known as Omega de Salonera, reportedly revolves around the belief that one Jey Rence Quilario is their proclaimed Messiah. Shockingly, this cult boasts a staggering membership of 3,650 individuals, including a disconcerting 1,587 children, all residing within a heavily guarded and secluded enclave atop a mountain, referred to as Sitio Kapihan, within the municipality of Socorro.
Senator Hontiveros voiced her profound concern, stating, "Nakakakilabot ang nabuong kulto sa Surigao. Pero mas nakakakilabot at nakakagalit ang mga kaso ng panggagahasa, pananakit, at pilit na pagkakasal na ginawa sa mga menor de edad. We must put an end to this. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women and Children, and as a mother, I ask us not to allow this monstrosity to continue."
Proposed Senate Resolution No. 797 provides compelling accounts from direct and firsthand testimonies. These accounts allege that Quilario, who also goes by the alias Senior Agila, engaged in acts of sexual abuse and violence against minors. The accusations include coercing children into sleeping with him, overseeing child marriages with adults, and confining adolescents to rooms to facilitate sexual activities, among other shocking claims.
Senator Hontiveros shared another distressing revelation, "Last July, eight children ran away from the cult after repeated instances of abuse and exploitation. These children are in grave and present danger. Makapangyarihan at may impluwensya ang kulto. Ginagawa nila ngayon ang lahat para makuha mula sa LGU at DSWD ang mga bata. The children's parents, who are still part of the cult, are asked to file petitions for habeas corpus, in order to recover the minors from the local government."
"Ang malala, nagtagumpay na sila sa isang bata at plano nilang isa-isahin ang mga nakatakas na bata hangga't sa bumalik sa kulto. Ang mga bata na po mismo ang nagmamakaawa na huwag na silang ibalik doon. Bakit nga naman nilang gugustuhing bumalik sa isang komunidad, sa isang lider na nanloloko, nanggagahasa, at nananakit sa kanila?" added the senator.
Furthermore, Hontiveros uncovered that both minors and adults within the cult were subjected to forced labor, under threat of physical punishment. Additionally, they were compelled to relinquish a staggering 40-60% of their social welfare benefits, which included programs like 4Ps, senior citizen pensions, TUPAD, and AICS, to Quilario.
"This sorcery should be stopped. Pati pera ng taumbayan napupunta sa kulto. Isang malaking scammer itong si Senior Agila. Huwag nating hayaang ipagkait niya sa libo-libong mga bata ang kanilang mga pangarap at kinabukasan. We need to save those children now," Hontiveros concluded, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Sep 19, 2023
