Resolution on ‘Socorro cult’ may be out by mid-November, says DOJ

October 9, 2023 admin

FILE PHOTO: DOJ logo. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty on Monday said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is eyeing to release the resolution on the case of alleged religious cult Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) by mid-November.

During the Senate subcommittee on finance’s deliberations on the proposed 2024 budget of the DOJ and its attached agencies, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa asked the department when will the court determine whether a warrant will be issued or not against SBSI.

READ: Alleged Socorro ‘cult’ leader faces DOJ prosecutors during clarificatory hearing

Ty said they are eyeing to release the resolution by mid November, noting that they will file a supplemental complaint against supposed cult leader Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario and its members because in the last hearing conducted by the Senate, new allegations from witnesses have come out.

READ: ‘Cult’ escapees recall ordeal; Senate detains leader, 3 others

The DOJ official said they will also give the respondents time to answer the allegations.

“Alam po namin na importante ito at alam po namin ang timeline kaya hopefully ay mailabas ang resolution by mid November,” said Ty.

(We know that this is important and we know the timeline so hopefully the resolution will be issued by mid November.)

Quilario and SBSI member Mamerto Galanida on Monday faced the prosecutors from the DOJ on Monday for a preliminary investigation on the abuses allegedly committed by the SBSI.