NBI seeks hold-departure order vs Socorro leaders
The NBI has submitted additional evidence and filed a motion for a precautionary hold departure order against Quilario
Daily TribuneThe NBI has submitted additional evidence and filed a motion for a precautionary hold departure order against Quilario
The National Bureau of Investigation is seeking a precautionary hold-departure order, or PHDO, against the alleged leaders of the Socorro "cult" to prevent them from leaving the country while their cases are being investigated.
This came after Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, responding to "threats" in Surigao, ordered the transfer of the complaints to the Department of Justice main office in Manila for the conduct of the preliminary investigation.
There are 13 respondents named in the complaints, including alleged leader Jay Quilario. The others are Mamerto Galanida, Karren J. Sanico Jr., Janeth T. Ajoc, Wenefredo S. Buntad, Giovanni Leogin C. Lasala, Ibrahim L. Adlao, Jovelito L. Atchecoso, Sergio A. Cubillan, Daryl R. Buntad, Jonry C. Elandag, Yure Gary Q. Portilio and Florencio C. Quiban.
They are accused of violating Section 4 in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; kidnapping and serious illegal detention, under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code; violation of RA 11596, an Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties in Violation Thereof; and violation of RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse Exploitation and Discrimination.
The NBI has submitted additional evidence and filed a motion for a precautionary hold departure order against Quilario, also known as "Senior Agila," and other leaders of Socorro Bayanihan Services.
The clarificatory hearing was conducted before a panel of prosecutors Monday afternoon attended by Quilario and the other respondents as well as some of the supposed victims of the SBSI.
The NBI has taken over the investigation initially conducted by the Commission on Human Rights, while the DoJ said a subsequent hearing is scheduled for 20 October.
This as the panel of prosecutors was anticipating the filing of supplemental counter-affidavits and presentations of opposition to the motion for a PHDO.
The complainants, mostly minors, answered questions first, followed by the respondents led by Quilario.