Who is Senior Agila?

Get to know more about Senior Agila

SENIOR AGILA – Here are some details about the president of Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI), a civic organization based in Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

The group is facing allegations of being a cult, as well as accusations of forced marriages and abuse involving minors.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Born on November 10, 2000, in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Quilario was the only child of Romel Quilario and Gengie. Both of his parents were teachers, and his family was active in the Philippine Independent Church. He initially attended Socorro National High School, where he was known for his humor, dancing in the school’s troupe, and having many friends. However, he dropped out of school when his family moved to Sitio Kapihan.

CAREER

Quilario joined Socorro Bayanihan Services (SBSI), a civic organization, in 2017. In 2019, he convinced SBSI members to relocate to Bucas Grande island. In December 2019, he was endorsed by Rosalina Taruc, the founder of SBSI and his former teacher, to become the group’s president after her passing in 2021.

Allegations surfaced that Quilario claimed divinity and transformed SBSI into a religious group or “cult.” Ex-members alleged that he declared himself God, the Santo Nino, and a Messiah, threatening damnation for non-compliance.

ISSUES

Earlier this month, SBSI, faced allegations of being a cult, as well as accusations of forced marriages and sexual abuse involving minors. Criminal charges, including qualified trafficking, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention, were filed against Senior Agila and 13 SBSI members. These allegations were vigorously denied. He attended a Senate hearing on September 28, 2023, facing allegations of forced child marriages. Senior Agila and fellow members were cited for contempt by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, and they are currently detained in Senate quarters pending the case’s resolution.