By Junex Doronio

CEBU CITY – Alarmed by the proliferation of cults that prey on hapless women and children, human rights lawyers in this city have urged the Senate and House of Representatives to pass a law that would aptly define cults and protect women and children who fell as victims.

In their position paper sent to Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa, Atty. Magdalena Lepiten, president of the Cebu for Human Rights (C4HR), pointed out that a law is needed to address gaps, define prohibited acts, impose penalties, and provide programs and services for survivors.

“We need to do this now, or we’ll be left with nothing but just watching it (abuses) unfold,” Lepiten noted during a consultation on Tuesday, November 28.

It was learned that between November 2022 and April 2023, the C4HR assisted groups in Socorro town, Surigao del Norte, which took care of more than eight children who fled from the controversial Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated (SBSI) in Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Sering, Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

SBSI head Jey Rence “Señor Aguila” Quilario claims to be the reincarnation of the Catholic venerated Sto.Niño.

The minor victims alleged that they were forced into marriage and having sexual relations, and military training.

Quilario vehemently denied the allegations.

As of November 7, Quilario, and other leaders of SBSI were under arrest for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, and human rights abuses.

For her part, Atty. Fionah Bojos of C4HR said cults must be clearly defined by law, and care is needed to avoid trampling on religious freedoms and ensure that only those who violate laws are punished.

“[Organizations] that don’t violate people’s rights have nothing to fear. They can continue with their beliefs… without the fear of being targeted,” Bojos assured.

The Cebuana human rights lawyers proposed that any group, led by a figurehead, should be considered a cult, regardless of registration or accreditation, if its practices involve veneration, idolatry, or belief in certain figures, objects, or means, with the purpose or effect of committing illegal acts.

(ai/mnm)