Bayanihan cult leader, others charged
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed criminal cases against Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) leader Jey Rence B. Quilario and other members of the alleged cult based in Surigao del Norte.
“Meron na tayong 21 cases filed already (We have 21 cases filed already),” said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla in a press briefing on Monday, November 6.
Remulla said the cases were filed before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Surigao del Norte on Monday.
“We expect the courts to issue warrants,” said the Justice Secretary.
Charges include qualified trafficking in persons, facilitation of child marriages, solemnization of child marriages, and child abuse.
Aside from Quilario, also charged were Mamerto Galanida, Karren Sanico, Janeth Ajoc, Wenefredo Buntad, Giovanni Leogin Lasala, Ibrahim Adlao, Jovelito Atchecoso, Sergio Cubillan, Daryl Buntad, Jonry Elandag, Yure Gary Portillo, and Florencio Quiban.
The DOJ chief disclosed prosecutors handling the case will eventually seek the transfer of the case to another venue.
“We believe that the cases should be tried here in Manila or in another venue where the interest of justice will not be affected by people who may not want to interfere in the process,” he said.
Remulla assured investigations continue to be conducted on SBSI.
“It's just the beginning kasi marami pa tong angles na ma-fill dito (This is just the beginning because there are many angles that can be filled),” he said.
Remulla said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will soon submit another report on the ongoing investigation.
The NBI initially filed criminal complaints before the Prosecutor’s Office in Surigao del Sur last June.
But Remulla ordered the transfer of the preliminary investigation to the DOJ main office in on Padre Faura St., Manila.