Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa presides over the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs’ inquiry into the alleged religious cult in Surigao Del Norte known as Socorro Bayanihan Services, which is said to be involved in systematic rape, trafficking, forced labor, child marriage, and drug trafficking.
Dela Rosa maintained that the investigation is not meant to meddle in the affairs of religion or private associations but to uphold and protect human dignity, especially that of children.
‘Every person has the right to practice their beliefs and religion; it is allowed by the state. However, this right does not entitle one to inflict harm on another or violate any laws of the Republic,’ Dela Rosa stated on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
Senate Resolution No. 796 by Senator Dela Rosa is based on a letter from Mayor Riza Rafonselle T. Timcang of Socorro, Surigao del Norte, requesting for an investigation on the aforementioned matters.
In particular, Forced marriages of child-members at the age of 12 and alleged ordering of the girl-brides to sleep with the Supreme Leader Quilario first for one night before being turned over to the young groom;
Disallowing children starting from birth up to their marriage from going out of the enclosed community;
and Collecting 50% of the wages of their carpenter/mason-members, 50% of the fish catch of their fisherman-members, 30% share of the proceeds on the sale of the members’ real properties, and 50% of subsidies for 4Ps beneficiaries and senior citizens.
Watch FULL playlist on YouTube: Kulto sa Socorro: Pagbagsak ni Senyor Agila sa Selda