Filipino cult leader and followers arrested for different cases of child abuse 

Senior Agila, other Socorro 'cult' members arrested for alleged illegal activities that harm minors

By Edward Era Barbacena 

Alleged cult leader Jey Rence Quilario. also known as "Senior Aguila," and other officers of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) were arrested on Tuesday for committing various illegal activities that harmed over a thousand children.

During a Senate inquiry before the arrest, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty said a Surigao del Norte regional trial court issued warrants of arrest against 13 respondents.

He said the respondents are facing 21 violations, including nine counts of qualified trafficking, eight counts of child abuse and facilitation of child marriage.

Testimonies in the Senate hearings revealed that minors in the SBSI were forced to marry an adult and were locked in a room until they engaged in sexual intercourse. Fifteen-year-old "Chloe" confirmed the incident during Tuesday's hearing.

Sen. Riza Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women and Children, lifted the move of contempt against Quilario and three members of the SBSI.

Quilario, Mamerto Galanida, Janeth Ajoc and Karren Sanico Jr. were cited in contempt for allegedly lying during the probe on crimes linked to the group.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said the case should be tried in Manila so that justice will not be influenced by people who may want to intervene in the process.