'Socorro cult' opens base in mountain to CHR probers

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday visited Sitio Kapihan in the Socorro town in Surigao del Norte to investigate the alleged human rights violations by the alleged “cult” there.

In Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras,” the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) opened their grounds to the CHR and police officers who conducted interviews and surveyed their community including the residence of their leader, Jey Rence Quilario or “Senor Aguila” earlier suspected of storing firearms and illegal drugs laboratories.

“Some of our investigators are now doing the ocular inspections because there are allegations that this place is being used by alleged private armies or firearms. There was interviewing some residents here, whether they are here voluntarily or compulsory,” said CHR Central Office Investigation Division OIC Ronnie Rocero.

“Because one of the critical points that we have to take into consideration is the freedom of movement. The right to travel of every individual should not be incurred,” said Rocero.

Senor Aguila and other SBSI senior leaders also welcomed the CHR, and staged a cultural show for the visitors.

Asked if they are open to the probe, Senior Agila said: “Oo. Open kami. Walang problema kahit nga suyurin buong sitwasyon dito eh”.

Meanwhile, the SBSI showed the drills of the civic group volunteers which former members alleged to be members of a private armed group.

The SBSI denied the allegations and said they were training for calamities, and rescue operations.

The CHR is set to meet with the former members of the group who are now under the custody of the Socorro municipal government. The report of the investigating team will be submitted to the commission, which will be the basis for the  CHR’s recommendations on the issue.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News