Criminal complaints were filed against the leader and 12 members of the alleged cult, Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) before a Regional Trial Court in Surigao Del Norte, according to Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin 'Boying' Remulla.
In a press briefing on Monday, Nov. 6, Remulla said prosecutors filed 21 raps against Jey Rence Quilario, also called Senior Aguila, and 12 SBSI members.
He said criminal charges include "qualified trafficking in persons, facilitation of child marriage, solemnization of child marriage, and child abuse."
"It's just the beginning. Marami pa tayong angles na dapat ma-fill dito," Remulla added.
The Justice Chief mentioned that they would request the transfer of the charges to the DOJ in Manila.
"Eventually, we believe that the cases should be tried here in Manila or in another venue where the interest of justice would not be affected by people who may want to interfere with the process," he said.
"June pa lang nagdemanda sila, walang nangyari dahil marami nakikialam sa kaso. Kaya nga, sa tingin namin, hindi na magtataggal ang kaso sa Surigao. Maraming gustong makialam sa kaso kaya kailangan dalhin dito," Remulla continued.
In September, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano revealed that Senior Agila and 12 SBSI members faced human trafficking, kidnapping, serious detention, violation of the prohibition of child marriage, and special protection of children against abuse charges before the provincial prosecutors' office in June 2019.
However, Clavano said no preliminary investigation was conducted as there were a series of motions to inhibit the prosecutors from the cases.
As of this posting, the SBSI leader and elders, Mamerto Galanida, Karen Sanico, and Janeth Ajoc are detained in the Senate after they were cited in contempt.
