Senior Agila and other members of the Socorro ‘cult’ have been arrested
SOCORRO BAYANIHAN SERVICES INC. – Jay Rence Quilario, popularly known as Senior Agila, the president of SBSI and several members of the alleged “cult” group were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday for suspected human trafficking.
Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) is a civic organization established in 1980 in Socorro, Surigao del Norte by Albino and Rosalina Taruc. The group works on the concept of bayanihan, providing services like housing, agriculture, and burial. They secured land at Sitio Kapihan after an earthquake in 2019. After Rosalina’s death, Jey Rence Quilario took over leadership.
In September 2023, allegations surfaced, implicating forced marriages, a private army, and a cult-like atmosphere within the organization. The SBSI’s association with religious groups stirred controversy, especially with the Roman Catholic Church disagreeing with the belief that Quilario is a reincarnation of Santo Niño. Investigations were launched by the Department of Justice, the Senate, and the Human Rights Commission regarding forced marriages, financial exploitation, and children’s rights violations.
Jay Rence Quilario, popularly known as Senior Agila, the president of SBSI, and several members of the alleged “cult” group were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday for suspected human trafficking.
Quilario and the group were apprehended right outside the Senate building following a hearing conducted by the Committees on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs and of Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. It was during the hearing when Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa announced the issuance of a warrant for Quilario’s arrest and that of the other involved individuals.
Watch the video below courtesy of ABS-CBN News:
Meanwhile, a new witness testified against Senior Agila and disclosed information about his child’s death due to the leader’s alleged prohibition from being taken to the hospital.
