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Michelle Dee wagi sa ‘Voice for Change’ ng Miss Universe 2023 pero hindi na umabot sa Top 5
Michelle Dee LIVE UPDATES: Miss Universe 2023 WINNER ang bet ng Pilipinas na si Michelle Dee sa “Voice for Change” category sa ginaganap ngayong Miss Universe 2023 pageant. Naging effective nga ang powers ng “bayanihan” spirit ng mga Filipino na talagang kinarir ang pagboto online kay Michelle para sa naturang challenge kaya naman siya.....»»
Michelle Dee wagi sa ‘Voice for Change’ ng Miss Universe 2023 pageant, MUPH muling nanawagan para sa ‘Fan Vote’
CONFIRMED! Ang bet ng Pilipinas na si Michelle Dee ang nanguna sa “Voice for Change” category sa ginaganap ngayong Miss Universe 2023 pageant. Yes! Epektib pa rin ang powers ng “bayanihan” spirit ng mga Filipino na talagang kinarir ang pagboto online kay Michelle para sa naturang kategorya o challenge. In fairness, lumamang ng mahigit 100,000.....»»
Criminal raps filed vs cult leader Senior Aguila, 12 others
The Department of Justice on Monday filed criminal charges against Jey Rence Quilario or "Senior Agila," the leader of a religious group pretending to be a people's organization called Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc., in a Surigao del Norte court......»»
‘Cult’ leader charged with child abuse
Alleged cult leader Jey Rence Quilario, also known as Senior Agila, and 12 other members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. have been charged with qualified trafficking and child abuse before a court in Surigao del Norte, the Department of Justice said yesterday......»»
CEB, UFG vow OFWs support
Cebu Pacific on Saturday, 28 October 2023 announced that it has entered into a partnership with United Filipino Global, a non-government organisation that helps Filipino migrant workers, to collaborate on projects aimed at improving the welfare of overseas filipino workers. CEB and UFG on 27 October 2023 signed a memorandum of understanding indicating the provision of free flights for chosen OFW beneficiaries and support for OFW kids’ scholarships. In the event of natural disasters, emergencies, or life-threatening circumstances, the airline will also organise special flights to deliver humanitarian aid and transport to affected OFWs. In addition, CEB will organize informational campaigns to update OFWs on safe and responsible air travel procedures. Internship programs The airline will also provide financial assistance to OFW families so they may be able to send their kids to internship programs for to become future flight attendants and crew members. CEB chief marketing and customer experience officer Candice Iyog said that Cebu Pacific looks forward to this partnership with UFG with the objective of assisting OFWs. The partnership of CEB with UFG is a testament to the airline’s commitment to uplifting the lives of OFWs by connecting them to a wide international network and offering the quickest way back to the Philippines. UFG president Gemma Sotto said that with this collaboration, they are “praying” that their upcoming programs will be felt and received. CEB has already mounted several flights in recent years to provide free transport to distressed OFWs back to the Philippines. In 2021 alone, CEB repatriated over 11,000 Filipinos from Dubai and the Middle East affected by Covid-19 lockdowns through a series of Bayanihan flights. The airline currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spanning across Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The post CEB, UFG vow OFWs support appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation
The Department of Labor and Employment urged collective action to address the Philippines’ job problems on 25 October during the 23rd National PESO Congress in Palo, Leyte. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma stressed in his speech the vital role of Public Employment Service Offices or PESO and DOLE’s frontline partners in promoting productive employment at the local level. “The responsibility of realizing the objectives of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan and the Trabaho para sa Bayan Act is not the DOLE’s responsibility alone. It is jointly shared with our social partners, especially our PESOs. The challenges we face in our employment landscape demand collective action and innovative solutions,” Laguesma said. Laguesma also emphasized the need for open and constructive dialogue with PESO managers across the nation as he bared the department's five-point agenda, which includes strengthening its core functions, fortifying partnerships with employers and educational institutions and digitalizing public employment services. DOLE conferred awards to PESOs with outstanding accomplishments in the past year during the 2022 National Search for Best PESO Awards. Among the accomplishments are the 2.4 million jobseekers employed through the facilitation of PESOs, which translates to a 91 percent placement rate across the regions. PESO Bataan won in the first-class province category, PESO Lanao del Norte in the second-class province category and PESO Aurora in the third to fifth class category. DOLE also hailed PESO Iloilo City as champion for the highly urbanized city category and PESO Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental for the component and independent component city category. Among the awardees for the municipal PESOs were PESO Villasis, Pangasinan (first class municipality category); PESO Pila, Laguna (second to third-class municipality category); and PESO Llanera, Nueva Ecija (fourth to sixth-class municipality category). The University of Batangas was elevated to the Hall of Fame for winning the search for best PESO in 2018 and 2019 and the Bayanihan Service Award in 2020 and 2021. The university job’s placement office received a trophy and a P250,000 cash prize. The post DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad
Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs, are indeed modern-day heroes. They help boost our economy, but more importantly, they help uplift the lives of their families to give them a better future and also showcase Filipinos' talents, skills, and work ethic to the world. I was in London, United Kingdom last week for an official trip upon the invitation of the British Group Inter-Parliament Union. Led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and co-head of delegation Senator Grace Poe, we embarked on several meetings aimed at strengthening relations of the Philippine Senate with our counterparts in the UK parliament to exchange best practices in policymaking while enhancing bilateral relations, fostering economic security, exploring areas of cooperation between the two countries, and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I also expressed my gratitude to the UK for donating vaccines during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, we thanked them for other development assistance extended by the UK to the Philippines and for their help in strengthening the Bangsamoro Region. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I also maximized the visit to highlight efforts in promoting the welfare of more than 200,000 OFWs in the UK, particularly the more or less 40,000 Filipino nurses working there. We were able to raise to the UK policymakers the concerns of Filipino nurses regarding their rights to proper benefits, just compensation, and a safe working environment. We should be proud of Filipino medical frontliners in the UK, particularly nurses who are among the world’s finest. Take, for example, May Parsons, a Filipina-British nurse who became known globally for administering the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of a clinical trial and receiving the UK's George Cross Award. I have co-sponsored a Senate resolution earlier recognizing and commending her achievement. After our official meetings, I met with a group of OFWs, some of them were fellow Dabawenyos, Filipino Muslims, Ilonggos, and Ilocanos, among others. The stories they shared were proof of how resilient our OFWs are. Despite their sacrifices, homesickness, and worries about their families in their hometowns, they maintain their cheerfulness and positive outlook. I brought some good news to our OFWs by informing them about the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) through Republic Act No. 11641, a legislation for which I am proud to be one of the authors and co-sponsors in the Senate. This measure streamlines the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration to better address the needs and concerns of migrant workers. I have also filed Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and ensure its continuous operation in San Fernando City, Pampanga, primarily intended for OFWs and eligible dependents. More importantly, a Malasakit Center is operational there to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. The establishment of the DMW, the OFW Hospital, and its own Malasakit Center are just a few of our dreams that are now realities for Filipinos to benefit from. These are testaments of our commitment to promote the welfare of migrant workers and their dependents. However, we acknowledge that there is more work to be done. That is why we continue to listen to their concerns, serve them to the best of our abilities, and pursue initiatives to further their cause. I have also filed SBN 2414, which seeks to establish OFW wards in Department of Health (DOH) hospitals if enacted into law. While our efforts continue to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos abroad, our commitment to serve Filipinos facing challenges in their communities remains unwavering. This week, we had groundbreaking ceremonies for Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte; Brgy. Labangon in Cebu City; Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur; and in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Through the collective efforts of DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, we continue to advocate for establishing more community health facilities to help bring public health services closer to those needing medical attention. We have also assisted 1,000 indigents in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, with the office of Cong. Jose Padiernos; 500 members from various sectors in Barangay Mintal, Davao City; 1,900 in Caloocan City, with the office of Congresswoman Mitch Cajayon-Uy. In Cebu City, we also distributed aid to 1,700 residents of the South District with Congressman Edu Rama; 450 in Nagcarlan, Laguna, with Mayor Elmor Vita and Councilor Rey Comendador; and 333 in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, in collaboration with the Malasakit@Bayanihan group. We also aided 1,000 United Senior Citizens Association members of Quezon City, with Congresswoman Mila Magsaysay, Senator Robin Padilla, and private sector volunteer organizations. My office also extended additional aid to 93 displaced workers in Lumban, Laguna; 210 in Pilar; 217 in Carmen and Batuan in Bohol. DOLE also gave qualified beneficiaries temporary employment. We also supported 200 scholars during their TESDA Orientation in Daet, Camarines Norte. There are also 43 residents of Davao City and nine in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who were victims of fires and 32 victims of flooding in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. They were provided separate assistance and the livelihood kits they received through the DTI program, which we advocated for before and continue to support. We also supported 283 victims of past fires in Cagayan de Oro City by giving separate aid in addition to the emergency housing assistance received from the NHA through a program we pushed for so that they could buy materials like nails, roofing, and other necessities for home repairs. My office also provided immediate help to victims of recent fires, such as 50 families in Baseco, Manila City, and 11 families in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa City. No one is exempt from facing life’s hardships. However, our OFWs have shown us how resilient Filipinos can be. Let us learn from them and, more importantly, do our part in uplifting their lives by advocating for their welfare, promoting their rights, protecting their families, and providing the genuine public service they deserve. The post Advancing OFWs’ welfare, protecting Filipinos abroad appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR to stop issuing permits, agreements for use of protected areas
This comes after the DENR suspended its agreement with the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. that granted the latter use of over 300 hectares of protected land in Surigao del Norte.....»»
Dela Rosa turns into human rights advocate before Socorro ‘cult’
The senator appeals to members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated, 'Ensure that the rights, especially the human rights of the youth, are safeguarded'.....»»
‘19 minors forced into common-law marriages with Socorro adults’
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed yesterday that about 19 children were found to be in common-law marriages with adult members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc.......»»
Socorro integrated approach eyed
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is currently working with other relevant government agencies to push an “integrated approach” for the affected residents of Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Sering in Socorro town amid the suspension of the protected area agreement. This was bared by Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga during the Senate’s deliberation of the Proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program of the DENR and its attached agencies on Wednesday. Loyzaga clarified that the DENR has only suspended the Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement or PCBRMA with the Socorro Bayanihan Service Incorporated pending the ongoing investigation of the group’s alleged violations. At the hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros raised the possible implications of the suspended accord to more than 3,500 residents currently staying in the area. Loyzaga said the DENR will meet with the heads of the Department of the Interior and the Local Government, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Justice to further discuss the supposed “integrated approach” concerning the members of the SBSI and those residing in Sitio Kapihan. She said the SBSI leadership has already received a copy of the suspension order of its existing protected area agreement with the DENR. “Just to update, we are now in coordination with Secretary Benhur Abalos, Secretary Remulla of the DoJ, and Secretary Rex Gatchalian for an integrated approach to the investigations regarding this particular situation so there will be a meeting tomorrow,” she added. The post Socorro integrated approach eyed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrating 77 Years of Danish-Philippine Diplomatic Relations through creativity
On 28 September, Denmark and the Philippines marked 77 years of strong diplomatic ties by emphasizing their shared passion for design and creativity. To honor this milestone, the Royal Danish Embassy Manila staged two projects that capture the fusion of Filipino creativity and uniqueness of Danish design, reflecting the richness of the countries’ longstanding relationship. Bridging our countries through LEGO One of the most symbolic representations of this mutual appreciation for creativity is the iconic LEGO – a Danish brand that has found its way to the hearts of many Filipino families, collectors, builder communities, and creative enthusiasts. You can also meet talented Filipinos working in LEGO headquarters in Denmark, driving design processes for various LEGO sets that land on toy store shelves worldwide. Venturing into the heart of the Philippines' historical richness, Danish Ambassador FranzMichael “Dan-Dan” Mellbin and Philippine Ambassador Leo Herrera-Lim explored the Philippines in bricks at the iMake History Fortress LEGO Education Center. The Education Center, nestled in historic Fort Santiago, is a joint project by the Royal Danish Embassy Manila, the Intramuros Administration, and Felta Multimedia, Inc and serves as an exhibition of historical and cultural landmarks in the Philippines – all built using LEGO. The center also conducts workshops to train the youth in architecture, design, engineering, and creativity using LEGO Education modules. Guided by the shared vision of fostering strong connections, the Ambassadors, along with Intramuros Administrator Joan Padilla, Felta Brand Activation Officer Jed Abiva-Sazon, Mme. Eva Fischer-Mellbin, and Mme. Fides Herrera-Lim, took the lead in building a symbolic bridge using LEGO as a representation of the strong connection of the two countries spanning over seven decades. Filipino art LEGO-fied From architectural wonders, LEGO bricks were creatively used as building blocks for classic masterpieces of Filipino maestro and National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo. Project AMORsolo, a mosaic LEGO exhibition by Pinoy LEGO Users Group (PinoyLUG) pays homage to the enduring legacy of the first Filipino National Artist. The exhibit replicates Amorsolo’s iconic paintings “Bayanihan”, “Dalagang Bukid”, and “Early Traders” using LEGO. To support PinoyLUG and masterpieces of Fernando Amorsolo, the Embassy hosted a Project AMORsolo installation in October 2023. During the event, PinoyLUG also unveiled a LEGO brick mosaic based on the iconic Danish artwork “Anna Ancher and Marie Krøyer on the beach at Skagen” by Michael Ancher, specially designed for the celebration. Gracing the event were members of the Amorsolo family including the artist’s daughter Slyvia Amorsolo Lazo and grandson Fernando “Nandy” Amorsolo Lazo, who now leads the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation dedicated to the promotion of the maestro’s unique style and artistic vision. Named after a playful combination of the Filipino artist’s name and the Spanish term for “love” (amor), Project AMORsolo was born out of interest of PinoyLUG’s members during the pandemic to build projects that go beyond LEGO’s usual notion of “play”, but also represents the Philippines’ rich art and creative culture. Project AMORsolo has been showcased in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila City Hall, and shopping malls around Luzon, and now at the Danish Residence. Wielding the power of design together Both events contribute to the Embassy’s “Design Matters” campaign. This aims to celebrate and increase awareness on Denmark’s design values and drive for innovation while appreciating the Philippines’ artistic heritage and ingenuity. Danish design, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and minimalism, is a way of life. The campaign aims to inspire Filipinos about the beauty and practicality of Danish design, connecting it to the Filipino tradition of craftsmanship and vibrancy. Since September, the Embassy has featured testimonials, parallel design concepts, and collaborative efforts to integrate design thinking into policies. The Embassy looks forward to continue supporting the Philippines in cultivating a deeper appreciation for design and translate creative ideas to meaningful efforts set to improve Filipinos’ lives. The post Celebrating 77 Years of Danish-Philippine Diplomatic Relations through creativity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR suspends protected area accord with Socorro village
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......»»
DENR suspends Socorro deal
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday said it ordered the suspension of its Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement with the Socorro Bayanihan Services, Incorporated. DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga suspended the deal pending further investigation into SBSI’s gross violation of the terms and conditions of the agreement. Based on DENR records, the SBSI originated in the “Tinabangay” group of Socorro, Surigao del Norte, which was organized in 1974 by the late Don Albino Taruc. The group was incorporated and registered as a people’s organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 20 December 1980. SBSI applied for and was subsequently awarded a PACBRMA by virtue of the National Integrated Protected Areas System, or NIPAS, Act of 1992, as implemented by DENR Administrative Order 2004-32, issued on 31 August 2004. The agreement, signed on 15 June 2004, covers 353 hectares of land in the northeast part of Barangay Sering, overlooking the northeast portion of Bucas Grande Island. A PACBRMA is a legal instrument between the DENR and tenured migrant groups to develop and conserve a portion of a Protected Area for 25 years. Under the deal's provisions, SBSI was granted certain rights and privileges over the awarded area within its established Multiple-Use Zone. Together with the DENR, SBSI developed its Community-Based Resource Management Plan, which was affirmed in 2013. The post DENR suspends Socorro deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR suspends Socorro Bayanihan’s protected area agreement
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday said it ordered the suspension of the Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement of the controversial organization Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated. DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga issued a Letter of Suspension to SBSI pending further investigation into its alleged gross violations of the terms and conditions of the PACBRMA. Based on DENR records, the SBSI originated from the “Tinabangay” group of Socorro, Surigao del Norte who were organized as early as 1974 by the late Don Albino Taruc. The group was incorporated and registered as a People’s Organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission on 20 December 1980. SBSI applied and was subsequently awarded a PACBRMA by virtue of the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992, implemented by DENR Administrative Order 2004-32, issued on 31 August 2004. The agreement, signed on 15 June 2004, covers 353 hectares of land located in the northeast part of Barangay Sering, overlooking the northeast portion of Bucas Grande Island. A PACBRMA is a legal instrument between the DENR and tenured migrant groups to develop and conserve a portion of a Protected Area for a 25-year period. Under the provisions of the PACBRMA, SBSI was granted certain rights and privileges over the awarded area within its established Multiple-Use Zone. Together with the DENR, SBSI developed its Community-Based Resource Management Plan, which was affirmed in 2013. In 2019, the DENR began its investigation of alleged SBSI activities that violated the PACBRMA, including restriction of entry into the area; establishment of checkpoints and military-like training; the resignation of teachers, uniformed personnel and barangay officials; and establishment of structures within the PACBRMA area. Inter-governmental efforts were also made to address the concerns raised against SBSI and to get them to comply with the terms of the PACBRMA. In 2019, SBSI submitted its updated CBRMP but was disapproved by the DENR due to non-compliance with certain provisions under the agreement. SBSI has not been able to resubmit its CBRMP. In 2021 and 2022, the DENR called the attention of SBSI on recurring violations. In both instances, there was no response from SBSI, triggered the issuance of a Letter of Suspension on Friday, 29 September 2023. Loyzaga said the DENR will work with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte and other authorities to ensure the smooth and peaceful enforcement of the suspension notice and the possible resettlement of the occupants. The post DENR suspends Socorro Bayanihan’s protected area agreement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate cites 4 Socorro leaders in contempt
The Senate on Thursday cited in contempt four high-ranking members of the alleged cult group Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated, or SBSI, over their denial that forced marriages of minors had happened in Sitio Kapihan, Socorro town in Surigao del Norte. Senator Risa Hontiveros made the motion after Quilario and the others repeatedly denied that forced marriages of minors happened and were facilitated by Socorro Bayanihan Service Inc., despite the testimonies of child witnesses present at the hearing. “I respectfully move to cite in contempt Jey Rence Quilaro, Mamerto Galanida, Janeth Ajoc, and Karren Sanico,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said after hearing testimonies of child witnesses at the hearing. With no objection from the members of the Committee of Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ordered the detention of the four individuals at the Office of Seargent-at-Arms in the Senate. Speaking at the hearing, a member of the alleged cult group, alias Jane, narrated how she was forced to marry a fellow member at the age of 14. Alias Jane directly pointed to Quilario as the one who chose her 18-year-old husband. She added that they were forced to have sex after being married or be accused of disobeying “God.” She added that her mother, despite being married to her father, was also forced to marry another fellow member. Jane said she decided to run away from the village due to the unwanted marriage and forced labor that she had experienced throughout her stay in Sitio Kapihan under Senyor Agila’s leadership. Hontiveros sought the probe under Senate Resolution 797 on the cases of rape, sexual abuse, forced labor and child marriage perpetrated by the Socorro Group. The Senate panel found out that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources cannot go inside the SBSI community to conduct regular monitoring and evaluation. The post Senate cites 4 Socorro leaders in contempt appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alleged cult leader Senior Agila ‘can stop rain, make birds sing’
Testifying at the Senate hearing over the alleged human rights violations and "cult" practices of Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated, Riza Guma narrated how she became a die-hard member due to "supposed powers” of the group’s leader, Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario, to stop rain and voice changing ability. Guma, a former educator, admitted that she previously left her teaching profession to serve full-time as a member of the Kapihan community, in Soccorro town, Surigao del Norte. In her affidavit which was read by Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa during the hearing, Guma claimed that Quilario “was able to change and contort his voice into different persons.” “Yung cousin ko ay nagkasakit siya at dinala sa hospital at biglang dumating din si si Jey Rence Quilario. Pag dating niya sa ospital ay pabago-bago ang boses niya,” Guma said. She shared that Quilario can shift his voice into an old woman, a Godzilla, and an old man. Dela Rosa then asked Quilario if he could really change his voice as alleged by Guma. “Hindi po Iyan totoo,” Quilario told Dela Rosa. The senator continued reading Guma’s affidavit. “Let the bird sing and unexpectedly, the bird sang.” “Yes po sir. May boses po ng ibon na biglang tumunog,” Guma said. “There was a time that it was raining hard and Senior Agila shouted: Let the rain stop! And indeed the heavy stop. Since then, we really became die-hard believers because of those supposed powers,” she added. Dela Rosa asked: “Huminto talaga yung ulan?” Guma laughed it off and said. “Baka aksidente lang din po iyon.” The senator continued asking, “Why did you become a diehard member?” “Noon po iyon Sir. Noong sobrang diehard ako, kaya nga tumigil po ako sa pagtuturo,” she replied. On the other hand, Senator Risa Hontiveros lambasted the group for depriving children of to access the right to education. Despite being a teacher, Guma disclosed that even her own child was not allowed to study not until he left the community in June 2022. Hontiveros asked Guma about her assessment of children still residing in Sitio Kapihan. “Yung ibang bata po na nakapag-aral before pumunta doon sa bukid ay marunong silang magsulat at makabasa pero yung mga bata from age 5, hindi po sila marunong magsulat at magbasa,” Guma told Hontiveros. At least 200 minors don’t know how to write and read, she confirmed. “Dati kayong teacher. Papaanong napapayag kayo na hindi makapag-ara ang sarili ninyong anak?,” Hontiveros asked. Guma replied, “dahil ipinagbabawal na po ni Senior Agila ‘yung pag-aaral.” She added that who will disobey Quilario's orders would be heavily punished. According to Hontiveros, SBSI Vice President Mamerto Galanida said the group is eyeing to build a school inside the community. Guma brushed off the idea. “Ngayon lang din po sila nagplano na magtayo ng school noong pumutok na po yung kaso mam.” She claimed that the plan would serve as a cover-up from calling the SBSI a “cult.” The post Alleged cult leader Senior Agila ‘can stop rain, make birds sing’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa: ‘Hindi pwedeng magsinungaling ang mga bata’
Several underage members of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated on Thursday narrated how they were forced to marry and have sexual intercourse with adults as well as locked up within their mountainous community at Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Sering, in Socorro town, Surigao del Norte. In a media interview, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa admitted that he believed the statements of several child witnesses attended the Senate’s public investigation on the alleged cases of rape, sexual abuse, forced labor, and child marriage perpetrated by the Socorro-based group against their young members. “Hindi pwedeng magsinungaling ang mga bata. Nakikita ko Iyan. Sabihin mong biased ako sa mga bata pero naniniwala (Children can’t lie. I see that. You may say I’m biased to children but I believe them),” said Dela Rosa. During the joint investigation by the Senate committees on women and children, and public order and dangerous drugs on Thursday, 15-year-old Jane, not her real name, said she was coerced to marry an 18-year-old man she never met before. She said it was “Senyor Agila” whose real name is Jey Rence Quilario, the SBSI leader, who ordered and facilitated her marriage. She added that Quilario forced her to immediately sleep and have sex with her new husband so can “go to heaven.” Lovely Novie Savandal, also a member, emotionally shared that her 12-year-old sister was compelled to marry someone she didn’t know personally. Savandal said the Quilario was forcing every married couple to have sexual intercourse, if not, they will be punished. Dela Rosa grilled Quilario after Savandal recalled her sister’s experiences. “Bakit gustong gusto mong mag sex ang mag asawa? Bata, 12 years old? Pipilitin mong makipag sex sa lalaking hindi niya kagustuhan. Kinasal mo na, tapos sisiguraduhin mo pa na sila ay mag sex. Tapos kapag hindi mag sex, pina-punish mo ‘yung bata (Why do you want the couple to have sex? A child, 12 years old, [then] you will force her to have sex with a man. You already had them married. Then you still want to make sure they have sex. And when they don’t, you punish the child),” he asked the SBSI leader, Despite revelations from the witnesses, Quilario denied every allegation and claimed he could not do such a thing. “Hindi po ‘yan totoo. Hindi ko po magagawa (There is no truth to that. I cannot do that),” he said. During the opening of the panel’s hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that managed to recruit 3,650, including 1,587 minors. “Sabi po ng liderato ng SBSI sa mga interviews, parang normal subdivision lang daw ang [Sitio] Kapihan. Ewan ko lang, pero sa subdivision namin, ‘di nila nire-require ang iisang gupit para sa mga babae, ‘di po inilibing sa ilalim ng lupa ang mga cellphone ng mga dalaga at binata,” she said. Hontiveros earlier revealed that SBSI conducted cult practices including rape, human trafficking, and even punishing disobedient members to swim in human feces. She said some SBSI members were ordered to wear the same haircut and had their cellphones buried underground. They are even forced to drop out of school. Meanwhile, Commission on Human Rights Director Jasmin Navarro-Regino said SBSI is now being subjected to several human rights violations after hearing the testimonies of witnesses during Thursday’s Senate hearing on SBSI’s suspected cult activities. Regino said the CHR has already conducted its initial investigation, conducted by a five-member team in Sitio Kapihan. “We found out initially, based on interviews with children, [that] there was forced marriage…There was a violation of the right to access education, and likewise, there’s a violation of the freedom of movement of these people,” she said. “We will submit our initial investigation report because it is based on many violations,” she added. The post Dela Rosa: ‘Hindi pwedeng magsinungaling ang mga bata’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senate panel to hold next probe of alleged ‘cult’ activities in Socorro town
The joint Senate committee involved in the investigation of alleged cult activities and violations of human rights by Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated said it will bring its next hearing in Socorro town. This was bared by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, presiding over the first hearing on Thursday, which was jointly conducted by his committee on public order and dangerous drugs with the committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality. “Sa Socorro na siguro. We will go there kasi mas marami silang babiyahe dito. Alam mo na. Hirap din sa buhay ‘yan. Mamasahe papunta dito. So tayo na ang pupunta dun, tayo na ang mamasahe,” Dela Rosa said in a media interview. Dela Rosa said they have yet to schedule when they are going to push through the hearing. The Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated is based in the mountainous village of Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Sering in Socorro Municipality, Surigao del Norte. The SBSI leader Jey Rence Quilario along with other high-ranking members including Mamerto Galanida, Janeth Ajoc, and Karren Sanico were cited in contempt by the Senate panel over the denying that forced marriages of minors happened within their community. The post Senate panel to hold next probe of alleged ‘cult’ activities in Socorro town appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Rosa lambasts Socorro Bayanihan for preventing children to study
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa was irked after child witnesses said they were not allowed to study in schools while staying under the custody of Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated. During Thursday’s investigation of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the alleged abuse and illegal activities of the SBSI, Dela Rosa expressed disappointment over “Why can’t they go to school? That I cannot forgive. I will never allow it,” Dela Rosa asked SBSI President Jey Rence Quilario and Vice-President Mamerto Galanida, who is also the eldest member of the group. Quilario denied the allegations. Galanida, who was a former mayor and the town’s ex-education superintendent, maintained he was not aware that children in Sitio Kapihan are not allowed to be educated. Dela Rosa dismissed Galanida’s answer. The latter, then, blamed the parents saying: “They chose not to let their children go to schools.” “How can you say that parents won’t allow their children to study?”, Dela Rosa said. “ I don’t believe that parents would not allow their children. I don’t buy your explanation.” The Commission on Human Rights said it has already initiated an initial investigation on the allegations of human rights violations and infringement of the right to education of children. The CHR confirmed that violations of human rights, movements, and rights to education were clearly drawn in the initial probe. Meanwhile, Lawyer Richard Dano, legal consultant of Socorro Task Force Kapihan, said the “culture of fear” has prevented more than 1,000 other child victims from testifying against the human rights abuses perpetrated SBSI group. The post Dela Rosa lambasts Socorro Bayanihan for preventing children to study appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»