Hontiveros appeals for ‘cult’ members’ aid: They are also victims

FILE PHOTO: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros at the Senate plenary on Monday, September 11, 2023. At the opening of a Senate probe into alleged cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, Hontiveros revealed more details about the Surigao del Norte-based organization that managed to recruit 3,650, including 1,587 minors. (Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros appealed for a “proper reintegration and rehabilitation plan” for affected members of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) following the cancellation of its land use deal for a protected area in Surigao del Norte.

The DENR on Monday confirmed that it has terminated its Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement with SBSI for committing several violations.

According to the DENR, these offenses include, but are not limited to, SBSI’s establishment of residence in the area and failure to submit the required monthly, quarterly, or annual reports about implementing its Community-based Resource Management Plan.

Hontiveros said in a statement Tuesday that while she favors the cancellation of the land agreement, she likewise saw the need to protect SBSI members residing in the area.

READ: ‘Socorro cult’ members who break rules forced to swim in ‘aroma beach’

She stressed that these SBSI members are also victims lured into the false promises of alleged cult leader Jey Rence Quilario, otherwise known as “Senior Agila.”

“Our agencies must collaborate along with the local governments of Socorro and Surigao del Norte to safeguard the welfare of the citizens of Kapihan,” the senator said in Filipino.

“As I have expressed in our hearings, the State must unite to ensure that every member of [SBSI] can live with dignity,” she added.

Hontiveros further appealed to all SBSI members to cooperate with the government in this process.

“We only wish for them to live in safety, freedom, and genuine peace,” she said.

In a separate statement, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa welcomed DENR’s move, believing it could lead to the disbandment of SBSI, which he branded a “cult.”

“It is a good move by the DENR so that cult members can be relocated that will eventually [lead] to the disbandment [of] the cult and save the minors from abuse,” said dela Rosa.

SBSI has 3,650 members, including 1,587 children.

Hontiveros was the first to raise the plight of SBSI members, who were allegedly subjected to forced labor and coerced to engage in sexual acts under the leadership of Quilario, whom members believed to be the next Jesus or the new messiah.

Criminal charges were already filed against Quilario and 12 other members of SBSI. In November 2023, the Department of Justice said Quilario and others are facing complaints for Qualified Trafficking in Persons, Facilitation of Child Marriage, Solemnization of Child Marriage, and Child Abuse.