11 rescued as police bust sex cult in Philippine capital

At least 11 minors were rescued as police busted a suspected sex cult in the Philippine capital Friday afternoon, officials said. The alleged cult leader – Antonio Faernal alias Almedo Aram – was nabbed by police agents in his hideout at 2-A East Drive in Marikina Heights in Marikina City. City police chief Supt. Sotero Ramos said Faernal heads the Global Empire Covenant Divine Government, which the police suspect is a sex cult victimizing minors. The 11 rescued minors included four boys and seven girls. Two others were picked up along with Faernal, although it could not be ascertained as of posting time whether they were members of the cult or victims themselves. Authorities conducted the raid after one of the alleged sex slaves managed to escape and reported the matter to the police. The victim said a number of young girls aged 14 to 18 years old were detained inside the house of the cult leader. The house is surrounded by concrete fences measuring about 10 feet high. Men of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the elite Special Action Force (SAF) were initially unable to open the doors of the house because the order they got from a local court only allowed them to forcibly open its gate. Ramos said Faernal was nabbed at the vicinity of his house. The suspect is said to be facing several charges of rape, as well as violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law. As of posting time, the police were still searching for other minors believed to be detained inside the house. - GMANews.TV