DOJ: Preliminary investigation into alleged Socorro cult to be held in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Monday that its preliminary investigation into complaints of human trafficking and abuse against minors who were members of the alleged cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) Chase, will be held in Manila.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla made the statement during a press conference as the SSBSI insisted that they do not have money to travel to the main DOJ building in Manila.

As a reminder, a complaint has already been filed against leaders of the alleged religious ‘cult’ Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Surigao del Norte for alleged violations of qualified human trafficking, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, the law prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination.

READ: Ex-member of ‘Soldiers of God’, teen survivor testifies against religious ‘cult’

“The process is that we do a (preliminary investigation) here, we call everyone here. If they don’t want to come, that’s their problem, not my problem,” Remulla said.

“That’s their problem, the victims of yung mga call gastusan,” he added.

According to Remulla, eight cases are expected to be filed against the suspects, with the victims expected to arrive on September 27 to attend a Senate inquiry into the allegations against SBSI.

READ: Surigao government wants deeper investigation into alleged ‘shabu’ laboratory in cult village

The preliminary examination will then be on Friday, September 29.

JPV