Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) — Criminal cases were filed against Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario and other leaders and members of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) for alleged illegal activities, Justice Secretary Boying Remulla said on Monday.
“We have 21 cases filed already…Meron na tayong cases na finile ng prosecutors (the prosecutors filed the cases) and it’s just the beginning. Marami pa itong angles na dapat ma-fill (There are more angles we need to look at),” Remulla said in a media briefing.
Among the cases filed against SBSI leaders and members are qualified trafficking in persons, facilitation of child marriage, solemnization of child marriage, and child abuse. Remulla said the cases will be tried in Metro Manila.“We believe that the cases should be tried here in Manila or another venue where the interest of justice will not be affected by people who may want to interfere in the process,” he explained.
The Department of Justice earlier said it would urge the Supreme Court to move the matter to its main office because Senator Risa Hontiveros’ privilege speech on SBSI has elevated the issue to a level of national importance.
Child victims and former members of SBSI shed tears during a Senate inquiry as they recounted the horrors they experienced when they were forced by their “God” to participate in the alleged cult’s activities and obey its laws.
Quilario, SBSI Vice President Mamerto Galanida, and leaders Janeth Ajoc and Karren Sanico Jr. have denied the allegations of abuse and defended child marriages.
