The Department of Justice (DOJ) will push through the preliminary investigation on the criminal complaint filed earlier against the leader and 12 members of the alleged cult, Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) despite the group's appeal, its Secretary Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla said on Monday, September 26.
"The process is we conduct the PI [preliminary investigation]. We call everybody here. If they don't want to come, it's not a problem. That's their problem, their problem," he told reporters in a press briefing.
"For the purposes of preliminary investigation, they have to be in Manila to answer the questions and to be able to subscribe to the complaint affidavit that they will file or they have filed before, but needs to resubcribed here since the PI will be conducted here," Remulla added.
Alleged cult leader Jey Rence Quilario or alias Senior Aguila and 12 other members are facing criminal charges of human trafficking, kidnapping and serious detention, violation of the prohibition of child marriage, and special protection of children against abuse before provincial prosecutors' office in Surigao Del Norte.
The cases were recently transferred to the DOJ from the provincial prosecutors' office.
The Justice Chief said they would issue the invitation to the SBSI leader and members once they arrive in Manila for the Senate hearing that is set on Thursday, September 28.
Over the weekend, Quilario said they could not travel to Manila and attend the Senate hearing due to lack of funds.
The alleged cult leader and members called on lawmakers to personally visit the community located in the mountain called Sitio Kapihan.
But Remulla said a person who is accused must face and answer questions related to the allegations.
"Kapag ikaw ay na-accuse sa isang krimen, kailangan sumagot ka kapag tinanong ka kung ikaw ba ang guamawa nito o hindi. Dapat sumagot ka talaga ng maayos. Ayun talaga ang proseso ng batas eh," he said.
Remulla said they can fund the expenses of the alleged sexual abuse and other violence victims.
