Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga yesterday ordered the suspension of the Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement of the controversial Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. in Sitio Kapihan in Socorro town, Surigao del Norte amid various allegations against the group, including child marriage in the hillside community.
Jey Rence Quilario, president of the Socorro Bayanihan Service Inc. answers allegations of rape, forced marriage of children and cult-like activities during a Senate hearing yesterday.MANILA, Philippines — Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga yesterday ordered the suspension of the Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement of the controversial Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc.
The DENR said that as early as 2019, it started its investigation on the alleged violations of SBSI including restriction of entry in the area, establishment of checkpoints and military-like training; resignation of teachers, uniformed personnel and barangay officials and establishment of structures within the area.
“Secretary Gatchalian had ordered an investigation to determine those behind this false claims,” DSWD added.Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate committee on public order who presided over the SBSI public hearing on Sept. 28, said that while the leaders denied that their community is a cult, information about the group’s activities would qualify them as one.
“There were accounts of abuses: sexual, physical and even psychological. Accusations of human trafficking, private armies and the operation of a shabu laboratory were also reported to my office,” he noted. “Our concern is that in the guise of beliefs and religion, peace and order in society, the safety and welfare of our people are now allegedly threatened. Every person has the right to practice his or her beliefs and religion, it is allowed by the state. But this right does not entitle one to inflict harm over another,” Dela Rosa said.
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