DOJ to handle probe on ‘Socorro cult’

The Department of Justice will now handle the preliminary investigation on the abuses allegedly committed by the Socorro Bayanihan Services (BAYANIHAN), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced Friday.

“We brought the cases here para kami na ang bahala tumgin sa mga allegations doon sa complaint affidavits at sa mga complaints na finile against the suspects. Kaya dito na po ihe-hear ‘yan dito sa DOJ,” he said in a media briefing.

This stemmed from the complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in the Caraga Region against members of the BAYANIHAN in June.

Remulla said the complaint was initially filed with the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Surigao del Norte, but the prosecutors inhibited due to threats against them.

According to Remulla, the witnesses will also be brought to Manila.

“We will give them protection,” he said when asked if the witnesses will be placed under the Witness Protection Program.

In a press briefer, the DOJ said the NBI investigated the BAYANIHAN after the Municipal Mayor of Socorro tipped them off.

The DOJ said the BAYANIHAN moved to the mountains of Sitio Kapihan after an earthquake. Their alleged leader “Agila” declared himself a divine deity and prophesized a catastrophic event.

The DOJ said several minors have come forward with their traumatic experiences with the group.

Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier urged the Senate Committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality to probe in aid of legislation the alleged abuses committed by the supposed cult.

The group, meanwhile, is prepared to face investigations, its vice president Mamerto Galanida said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News