REMULLA REVEALS ANOTHER ISLAND-BASED CULT IN ZAMBOANGA

BY LEX MANALO

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla yesterday revealed that another cult in a secluded island in Zamboanga is exploiting children.

Remulla said the leaders and followers of the group are sexually using children.

The Justice secretary expressed deep concern over the rampant issue of child sexual exploitation in the country.

His remarks were prompted by the disturbing reports of alleged sexual abuses linked to a “doomsday cult” in Surigao del Norte, the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI). 

According to Remulla, the charges against the SBSI are not isolated incidents, rather, they exemplify a distressing pattern that extends to other regions. 

He revealed that a similar pattern of sexual predation had recently emerged on an island in Zamboanga, an incident that had gone unreported until now. 

“Ang tinatawag na kulto sa Surigao del Norte ay hindi bagong pangyayari. Kamakailan lamang, mga dalawa o tatlong linggo na ang nakakaraan, mayroon ding ganitong pangyayari sa isang isla sa Zamboanga. Ito ay isang epidemya sa buong Pilipinas kung saan ang mga bata ay biktima ng pang-aabuso at sa totoo lang, marami sa mga ito ay incestuous rape, isa pang problema natin,” Remulla said.

Remulla refused to give more details on the supposed cult in Zamboanga pending investigation and validation. 

He assured the public that the government is actively engaged in discussions on how to address the issue of child sexual abuse.