Senator Ronald dela Rosa called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to act on the alleged illegal activities of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI).
Dela Rosa on Saturday visited Sitio Kapihan in Socorro town in Surigao del Norte where the alleged cult is based.
Dela Rosa who presided over a Senate probe on the alleged cult led by Jay Rence Quilario alias “Senior Aguila,” said he is now “more convinced that SBSI was indeed a cult.”
Dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said the definition and elements of a cult can be seen in Quilario’s followers.
One of these elements was recognizing Quilario as “God,” “Jesus Christ,” and Sto. Nino, Dela Rosa said.
Quilario’s followers also reportedly believe that Quilario has the power to heal the sick, among others.
Dela Rosa also said Quilario’s responses to the Senate probe as well as interviews with SBSI members “were rehearsed.”
The senator also asked the NBI to look into a nearby cemetery, where children were reportedly buried. He said there were testimonies in the Senate that sick children were not allowed to seek treatment outside Sitio Kapihan.
Dela Rosa also requested DSWD to conduct a psychologial evaluation of the 22 minors which were allegedly married by Quilario.