TWO more testimonies of former members of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI), an alleged cult based in Sitio Kapihan, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, accused of sexually abusing children and forcing minors into marriage.
Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that a 28-year-old former member, alias Karl, told his office that he was once part of the Agila Squad, an armed group of the SBSI, led by reported cult leader Senior Agila or Jey Rence Quilario. He also shared that there were 107 of them who were part of the cult’s army, including minors as young as 12 years old as well as women.
“We practice escrima, how to use a knife, and we can carry and use weapons. We know how to use, how to disarm, disassemble and assemble pistols, armalites, M4, 45 — – we all used that,” said Karl.
“And Senyor Aguila’s private army, we are his private soldiers, because we were told, we were Soldiers of God, that when we sacrifice our lives, whether we die or not, as long as we serve God, that is alright. He told us, we can kill people as long as the order comes from him,” Karl added.
Another survivor who came forward was a 13-year-old girl alias Maymay, who fled the cult with her parents because she wanted to go to school.
“When we were there in Kapihan, I wanted to go in and study but they didn’t let us. So my mother found a way for us to escape from the guards and go to school,” he shared.
“Once, we were chased by the Agnus, who used to be entrusted with guarding the area. We ran and passed through the blade. Fortunately, we found my father. Otherwise, I don’t know what would have happened to us because there were Those who chased us stabbed and there were many of them,” Maymay added.
The senator said that the stories of Karl and Maymay are just some of the testimonies that prove the abusive and exploitative practices of SBSI.
“This cult is terrifying. They are willing to use violence to make people in their community obey. Thousands of people in Socorro are still under the power of the cult, so I hope we can reveal the whole truth and hold the rulers accountable ,” said Hontiveros.
