DOJ PROBES ‘ABUSES’ COMMITTED BY SOCORRO ‘CULT’

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will conduct an investigation against individuals responsible for the “abuse” committed against children and supporters of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. cult in Surigao del Norte.  

Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano on Monday confirmed that a panel of prosecutors is conducting a clarificatory hearing as initial step for a comprehensive preliminary investigation.

“It is important to clarify that this is not a preliminary investigation, it remains a clarificatory hearing,” Clavano said.

Clavano explained that there is no schedule for the preliminary investigation yet. 

He said it is a procedural requirement to clarify their issue and establish a correct statement to ensure that there will be a preliminary investigation.

The prosecutor’s panel is still gathering documents or suggestions for a final resolution. Based on records, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) -Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City has recommended that the “cult” officers and members be charged with qualified trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), violation of RA 7610 (Anti-Child Abuse Law), kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Among those charged by the NBI were Jey Rence Quilaro, known as “Senior Agila,” Mamerto Galanida and 11 other officials and members of the “cult.” However, Clavano said the preliminary investigation could not be set due to multiple motions to inhibit the prosecutors.