REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Socorro Mayor Urges Calm Amid Escalating Tensions In Sitio Kapihan
Photo credit: Mayor Riza Rafonselle Taruc - Timcang
Soccoro Mayor Riza Rafonselle T. Timcang has issued a press release in response to the growing concerns surrounding the escalating tensions in Sitio Kapihan, Socorro in Surigao del Norte.
Members of the beleaguered Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) were seen rallying behind their leader, known as Senior Agila, in the mountains of Sitio Kapihan.
The area, previously heavily guarded for the past four years, opened its doors to the media on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Outlets have since posted on their channels, showing agitated SBSI members chanting loudly.
Timcang expressed her concern regarding the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent violence escalation.
She called upon the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deploy additional augmentation forces to ensure the safety and orderliness of the island municipality.
Timcang also called on the leaders of the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. to “set an example for their members by respecting the rule of law.”
She urged them to cooperate with authorities and act responsibly to maintain peace and order.
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and on Women will hold a hearing regarding SBSI on September 28, 2023.
The group has been called a cult that has allegedly forced members into marriage. Minors are said to be involved. It was also bared that SBSI leaders force their members to surrender financial assistance they get from the government, including pensions and 4Ps.
Members of the beleaguered Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) were seen rallying behind their leader, known as Senior Agila, in the mountains of Sitio Kapihan.
The area, previously heavily guarded for the past four years, opened its doors to the media on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Outlets have since posted on their channels, showing agitated SBSI members chanting loudly.
Timcang expressed her concern regarding the situation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent violence escalation.
She called upon the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deploy additional augmentation forces to ensure the safety and orderliness of the island municipality.
Timcang also called on the leaders of the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. to “set an example for their members by respecting the rule of law.”
She urged them to cooperate with authorities and act responsibly to maintain peace and order.
The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and on Women will hold a hearing regarding SBSI on September 28, 2023.
The group has been called a cult that has allegedly forced members into marriage. Minors are said to be involved. It was also bared that SBSI leaders force their members to surrender financial assistance they get from the government, including pensions and 4Ps.
Sep 25, 2023
