By Nimfa Estrellado Opinion Straight Talk Socorro Bayanihan Group The shocking revelations surrounding the Socorro Bayanihan Group ha...
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| Socorro Bayanihan Group |
The shocking revelations surrounding the Socorro Bayanihan Group have rattled the Filipino nitezen (online citizen), drawing comparisons to the infamous Jonestown catastrophe. The group's alleged cult-like practices and manipulation of its members have raised concerns about the well-being and safety of those involved.
The Jonestown incident refers to the mass murder-suicide that took place in 1978, where over 900 members of the Peoples Temple cult died. The similarities between the Socorro Bayanihan Group and Jonestown have sparked fear and unease among the public, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the group's activities.
Socorro Bayanihan Services is a non-profit organization.It calls itself a people's organization that practices bayanihan. Housing, agriculture, and funeral services are among the services offered by the organization.On December 20, 1980, Albino Taruc and his wife Rosalina Lasala "Nena" Taruc formed it.
According to reports, SBSI has been labeled as a cult, which the organization denies.The cult allegations date back as early as 2019. The group claims to be affiliated with the Philippine Independent Church.
Following a magnitude 5.8 earthquake in 2019, members of the organization relocated en masse to Sitio Kapihan on the island's mountaintop.
The organization is said to be running a private army called the Soldiers of God. The group denies it, claiming that the suspected members are civic group volunteers training for search and rescue missions.
Then-Surigao del Norte governor Francisco Matugas ordered the creation of a task force to look into allegations in late 2019 after videos on social media showed members apparently conducting military training exercises as well as reports of people leaving work and school to join the group. The same allegation resurfaced in September 2023 in the Senate.
In late 2019, then-Surigao del Norte governor Francisco Matugas established a task force to investigate claims after videos on social media showed members allegedly conducting military training exercises and rumors of people quitting work and school to join the group. The same allegation resurfaced in September 2023 in the Senate.
Sitio Kapihan is a mountain community maintained by Socorro Bayanihan Services. It also serves as the leader's residence.The name of the site alludes to its historical use as a coffee plantation site.
Sitio Kapihan is located on 353 hectares (870 acres) of government-owned property that was leased to the SBSI under a 25-year lease by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Area Management Board (DENR-PAMB) for agro-farming purposes.The DENR would suspend the linked leasing agreement due to allegations made against the group in September 2023.
According to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, the site is home to the Kapihan Nature and Adventure Park, which features a zipline that was installed in 2013.
Albino Taruc and his wife Rosalina "Nena" Taruc, a three-term municipal mayor of Socorro who previously served as president, formed the organization. In turn, Galanida would be succeeded by Jey Rence Quilario, with Galanida becoming vice president. Taruc approved Quilario to succeed her as group leader. Quilario took over as leader of the group when she died on June 27, 2021, with Galanida's support.
The SBSI's current president is Jey Rence Quilario. Senior Agila, according to the SBSI, is a "screen name" used by Quilario, who they describe as a composer and member of the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. Senior Agila is said to be a reincarnation of the Santo Nino, which is part of the group's religious claims. The SBSI has stated that it has no such ideas regarding its leader.
During a privilege speech in September 2023, Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that the group is a cult, accusing them of forcing kids to marry, sexual assault, and financial extortion.Senator Ronald de la Rosa has also called for a probe into the alleged running of a methamphetamine laboratory and the maintenance of a private army by the group.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also initiated an investigation into reports that SBSI is collecting money from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program participants, the government's cash award program.
The vice president of the organization expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation. He acknowledged that early marriages occurred within the group but disputed that they were pushed onto members.He also refuted the other allegations, including that his organization was a cult. He blamed the claims on former member Edelito Sangco's fabrications.
A Senate hearing conducted by Hontiveros and de La Rosa, attended by SBSI leaders, was convened on September 29, 2023, to address the claims. During the hearings, SBSI President Quilario, Vice President Galanida, and members Janeth Ajoc and Karren Sanico were cited for contempt for their responses to questions on whether child marriages occur inside the organization.
Many people assume that someone powerful is behind the SBSI, manipulating and influencing its leaders' actions. As evidence of financial irregularities within the organization emerged, this hypothesis gained popularity, implying that someone with great authority and resources was pulling the strings behind the scenes. However, in the absence of tangible evidence, speculation about this mysterious figure continues to circulate among those closely following the Senate hearings.
As investigations continue, it is crucial for authorities to thoroughly examine the situation and ensure that necessary actions are taken to protect people from any potential danger. It is essential for authorities to not only hold those responsible accountable but also provide support and assistance to any individuals who may have been affected by their wrongdoing.
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