NBI told to investigate child deaths in ‘Socorro cult’ village
Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa leads the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ inspection on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Sitio Kapihan, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, where the controversial and alleged cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated (SBSI) built an enclave. Dela Rosa also visited the supposed “cemetery” inside the 353-hectare protected area, where more than 20 graves of children were found. (Adrian Bautista, Office of Sen. Dela Rosa/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he had advised the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the circumstances behind the reported deaths of children in Sitio Kapihan, the village in Socorro, Surigao del Norte occupied by the suspected religious cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI).
“I have given advice to the NBI na imbestigahan nila itong mga nangyari at bakit puro bata [o] halos puro bata ang nandoon sa libingan,” dela Rosa told reporters in a press briefing on Monday.
(I have advised the NBI that they investigate these events and find out why only children [or] almost only children are buried in the graveyard.)
A formal letter has yet to be issued, but dela Rosa noted that he already made an “initial advice” to NBI Caraga’s regional director.
After conducting an ocular at Sitio Kapihan, dela Rosa concluded that SBSI’s alleged “mass grave” was “haphazardly made” just because members were aware of a scheduled inspection.
“It seems like they are rushing to prepare for the inspection,” said dela Rosa in English and Filipino.
According to the senator, the suspected illegal cemetery will certainly be discussed in the next Senate hearings.
“We will not only discuss whether [the cemetery] is authorized by the local government, [but we will also look into] the use of this exclusive grave [or] whether it is allowed by the local government unit. We will also look at the circumstances behind the death of these children,” said dela Rosa.
Reports from SBSI members indicate that most of those buried in the cemetery are children.
Dela Rosa, however, said these reports are still unproven.
“We are not sure unless we can exhume [the grave]. Right now we are just relying on the list they presented,” said the senator.
Along with the ocular conducted by the Senate panel on public order and dangerous drugs, the NBI exhumed on Saturday the remains of one child upon the request of the kid’s father.
Dela Rosa said the child reportedly died because SBSI leader Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario did not allow him to be sent to the hospital.
