Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 9) — The alleged cult leader based in Socorro, Surigao del Norte showed up at the Department of Justice on Monday for a clarificatory hearing on the complaints against him.
Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc.’s Jey Rence Quilario, also known as “Senior Agila,” is facing allegations of qualified trafficking, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and violation of the child marriage law and the child abuse law.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano clarified that the hearing is not part of the preliminary investigation (PI).
“Ang process kasi diyan, kailangan muna nila i-clarify yung ibang issues. They have to get certain facts straight para maayos yung PI. So ngayon, magsa-submit pa sila ng ibang… or mag sa-suggest pa yung panel of prosecutors kung ano pa yung pwedeng ibigay na documents para mas maganda yung decision sa resolution,” Clavano explained.
[Translation: The process is they have to first clarify other issues. They have to get certain facts straight for the PI. Now, the panel of prosecutors will suggest what documents are necessary to arrive at a proper decision for the resolution.]
Aside from Quilario, 11 others were named as respondents by NBI-CARAGA.
Several minors have come forward with stories of traumatic experiences while in the alleged cult.These included being forced to do military exercises and labor-intensive tasks, witnessing involuntary child marriages, and facing significant challenges when attempting to leave Sitio Kapihan.The complaints had to be transferred to the DOJ in Manila after respondents sought the inhibition of provincial prosecutors.
