Cult in Surigao town?

SURIGAO CITY - Senator Risa Hontiveros has ordered an investigation into the existence of an alleged cult in Socorro in the southern province of Surigao del Norte after receiving reports that members of the sect raped, abuse and force children into unwanted marriage.

Hontiveros, who heads the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, said eight children had escaped from the cult and are now under the shelter of the local government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

She said the organization used their money and influence to arm parents and had them file habeas corpus cases to get their children back into the cult.

“They have succeeded with one child and they will continue one by one until they get them all. The children themselves are begging not to be returned to the cult. Why would they want to return to a community, to a leader who cheats, rapes, and hurts?” she said in a recent privilege speech.

Hontiveros said the organization collects almost or more than 50% of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and senior citizen pensions received by its members. The organization also collected 40%-60% of what each of its members received during the pandemic and when Surigao was hit by typhoon Odette.

“But we also have gathered information that the real and bigger source of funding of this cult is drugs,” Hontiveros revealed without elaborating further. (Bibo Nueva Espana)