Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 20) — The criminal complaints filed against the alleged members of a “cult” in Socorro town in Surigao del Norte are now submitted for resolution.
“[T]he preliminary investigation was concluded, and efforts are being made to resolve the case as expeditiously as possible,” Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a statement Friday.
He added that the DOJ remains committed to ensuring a fair and thorough investigation, respecting the rights and welfare of all parties involved.
Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc.’s Jey Rence Quilario, also known as “Senior Aguila,” has filed a supplemental counter-affidavit in criminal complaints filed against him at the DOJ.
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Quilario and 12 others are facing allegations of qualified trafficking, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, violation of child marriage law, and violation of child abuse law.
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“We’re hoping that everything that we raised in the counter-affidavit will be taken into consideration with the filing of this case,” Aguila’ s lawyer Hillary Olga Reserva said.
Reserva also said they opposed the National Bureau of Investigation’ s (NBI) application for a precautionary hold departure order, which would prevent Quilario and other members from leaving the country.
