Cult leader accused of sexual abuse

THE neighbors of two teenage girls sought help from social workers in Toledo City after receiving word that the minors were being sexually abused by a 68-year-old cult leader.

The girls aged 13 and 17 years old told their neighbors about their encounters with the cult leader whom they called “Tatay (Father).” A former cult member named Geraldine Amador also sought assistance for the girls.

Amador left the group after learning “Tatay’s” behavior towards girls and women.

She recorded the stories of the two teenage girls and said she will ask the women and children’s desk of the Toledo City police for their assistance on the case.

Amador said the girls told other cult members on how “Tatay” touches their privates but they refused to believe them. The 13-year-old victim was later brought to Leyte by her father, also a cult member, to keep her safe.

But the girl’s mother and siblings remained in the group. The mother believes that her husband and daughter only misinterpreted Tatay’s sweetness.

“Tatay is sweet. He hugs everyone and kisses everyone. But it does not have any meaning. He is just a sweet person other people are just putting malice into it,” the girl’s mother said.

In a separate interview, the 17-year-old girl clarified that while there was no intercourse, “Tatay” would hug and kiss her and touch her privates. “Tatay’s” live-in partner, whom members also call “Nanay” defended him.

She said “Tatay” is just being affectionate to the female cult members. The 17-year-old girl is still living in his house because she had no family. The girl was abandoned by her parents since she was still nine months old.

“Nanay” said “Tatay” left the place after being advised by cult members to ensure his safety because of threats. /CORRESPONDENT CARINE M. ASUTILLA