Senate to begin probe on alleged cult in Surigao on Sept. 28

MANILA, Philippines –  The Senate will start investigating the case of an alleged cult victimizing minors in Socorro, Surigao del Norte on Sept. 28, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said on Wednesday in an interview over AM radio station DZBB.

Suspected cult leader Jey Rence Quilario alias Senior Agila will be summoned to the hearing, Hontiveros said.

“He is definitely among those who will be called as a resource person or guest of Chair [Ronald] de la Rosa [of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs], and I will also summon him to the hearing on September 28,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros called attention to the supposed cult-like schemes of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. in her privilege speech on Monday.

According to her, the organization victimizes minors by subjecting them to sexual violence, unwanted marriage, and forced labor.

Hontiveros’ speech was later referred to the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs for legislative probe.

Socorro is also being investigated by the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.

ATM