Save the Children calls for protection of affected minors in alleged Socorro ‘cult’

Advocacy group Save the Children urged authorities to enhance their efforts in protecting children following the reports of abuse in an alleged cult in Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

The group expressed grave concern on the reported cases of alleged child abuse, rape, and forced marriages committed against over 1,000 minors of the Socorro Bayanihan Services.

“Save the Children earnestly calls upon all relevant authorities to align their actions with these crucial legal provisions and urges local governments to strengthen their child protection systems,” it said in a statement.

The group emphasized that the law should be enforced particularly Republic Act 11648 which increases the age of statutory rape from 12 to 16 and RA 11596 which also prohibits and criminalizes the practice of child marriage.

 Atty. Alberto Muyot, the group's CEO, also called on law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate and thorough probe into these reports.

He said they should also secure the protection of the affected children and hold the perpetrators accountable.

“Protecting children's well-being is non-negotiable and should always be an absolute priority of parents, schools, communities, authorities, and the government in all settings, at all times," Muyot said. 

"Every child deserves the right to live in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment -free from all forms of violence, abuse, and exploitation,” added Muyot.

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday called for the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to probe in aid of legislation, the Socorro Bayanihan Services, which is an alleged cult.

Following these reports, Save the Children said there could be more affected minors who are unaccounted for and whose lives are at risk.

The group reminded the public to remain vigilant in ensuring that “every last child grows up safe, free, and happy, and that violence against children is no longer tolerated.”

The National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday said it has filed criminal complaints against members of Socorro Bayanihan Services in connection with the alleged abuse of minors as early as June.

Socorro Bayanihan Services vice president Mamerto Galanida, who is a three-term mayor in the province, denied the allegations against the group and said they are ready to face any probe. 

“Handang-handa kami. In fact, we’re expecting the secretary of Secretary [Benhur] Abalos to come. Wala namang problema,” he said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.

(We are ready. In fact, we're expecting the secretary of Secretary Benhur Abalos to come. There’s no problem with that.)

He also described the allegations against them as  “fabricated lies.” . 

“Unfair kasi hindi pinakinggan ang panig namin. ‘Yung sinasabi na kulto, walang katotohanan ‘yan kasi we are avid members of IFI, Iglesia Filipina Independiente,” Galanida added.

(It's unfair because our side was not listened to. It’s not true that we’re a cult because we are avid members of Iglesia Filipina Independiente.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News