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Socorro Bayanihan Services

Coordinates: 9°39′58.4″N 125°58′31.7″E / 9.666222°N 125.975472°E / 9.666222; 125.975472
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Socorro Bayanihan Services
Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc.
AbbreviationSBSI
EstablishedDecember 20, 1980; 43 years ago (1980-12-20)[a]
FounderAlbino and Rosalina Taruc
Founded atSocorro
TypeCivic organization
Legal statusPeople's organization[b]
PurposeCommunity building
HeadquartersSitio Kapihan, Bucas Grande
Location
Coordinates9°39′58.4″N 125°58′31.7″E / 9.666222°N 125.975472°E / 9.666222; 125.975472
Membership (2023)
3,650[3]

Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) is a civic organization based in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.[4]

History

[edit]

The Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. (SBSI) was formally established by Don Albino Taruc[5] and his wife Rosalina Lasala "Nena" Taruc[6][7] on December 20, 1980 as per its Securities and Exchange Commission registration.[1] However, SBSI had been organized sometime before the 1970s by Taruc as patriarch and a small group of natives and people from nearby islands.[8]

The civic organization was initially led by Albino Taruc with his wife Rosalina taking over after his death. The couple promoted the concept of bayanihan or communal unity within the organization.[8]

In 2004, SBSI secured a Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBRMA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the development of land at Sitio Kapihan in communal unity.[8]

People began to settle at Sitio Kapihan sometime around 2017.[8] In 2019, several members of the group would move en masse Kapihan after a magnitude 5.8 earthquake.[9]

Rosalinda Taruc died on June 27, 2021 and was succeeded by Jey Rence B. Quilario, also known as Senior Agila.[9]

For much of its history, not much is known about SBSI to outsiders until allegations of abuse were made against the organization in September 2023 in the Senate of the Philippines.[10]

The would DENR suspended the PACBRMA of the SBSI in October 2023. Pending a relocation program for Sitio Kapihan and a final decision from the DENR, residents would remain as of March 2024. After the detention of its leader Senior Agila, the SBSI under Officer-in-Charge Johan C. Lasala (died August 7, 2024) would reintegrate to mainstream society, participating in activities at the Socorro town center.[11]

Background

[edit]

Civic work

[edit]

The Socorro Bayanihan Services is formally a civic organization.[12] It describes itself as a people's organization which exercises bayanihan.[9] Among the services provided by the group are housing, agriculture, and burial services.[13]

Religious beliefs, activities, and cult label

[edit]

SBSI has been characterized as a cult, a label which the group rejects.[14][15] The cult allegations date back as early as 2019.[5]

One group which considers SBSI as a cult is the Movement Against Cults (Kalihukan Batok Kulto), which has ex-members among its ranks.[16]

According to findings from the September 2023 hearings, SBSI allegedly considers its leader Senior Agila or Jey Rence Quilario as a reincarnation of the Santo Niño.[17]

The earthquake in Surigao del Norte was alleged used by the SBSI to encourage the 2019 mass exodus to Kapihan as part of a doomsday prediction.[18] The Russian invasion of Ukraine was likewise reportedly cited that the doomsday is fast approaching and that members should remain at Kapihan.[19]

Regarding COVID-19 pandemic policies, Quilario prohibited members to get vaccinated.[20]

Marriages

[edit]

Senior Agila allegedly forcibly arranged marriages for women SBSI members, including minors. If a man was not able to consummate his marriage with his bride after three days, Quilario would supposedly "authorize" the man to rape his spouse. He would allegedly threaten members who disobey damnation to hell.[21] Members of the LGBT community, particularly gay men and lesbians, were reportedly forced into heterosexual marriages. Persons with disabilities were also allegedly forcibly married.[22]

Political involvement

[edit]

SBSI members were allegedly coerced to vote for Quilario's preferred candidates in the 2022 general elections according to an anonymous information obtained by Rappler. They supported the successful Bongbong Marcos–Sara Duterte campaign as well as local candidates under the UniTeam slate. Their bet for the Socorro mayorship Felizardo Galanida lost to Reza Timcang.[23]

Alleged militia

[edit]

The group is alleged to be maintaining a private army, known as the Soldiers of God.[24] The group denies it, insisting that its members alleged to be part of this group to be civic group volunteers training for search and rescue operations.[25]

Then-Surigao del Norte governor Francisco Matugas ordered the creation of a task force to look into allegations in late 2019 after videos on social media shown members apparently conducting military training exercise as well as reports of people leaving work and school to join the group.[5] The same allegation resurfaced in September 2023 in the Senate.[24]

Relations with religious groups

[edit]

The group says that their members are part of the Philippine Independent Church.[13] This was however disputed by the account of the church who says that SBSI members, who used to be parishioners of their church, had a mass exodus from their congregation in 2019. Their offer to hold mass and final rites for the deceased at Sitio Kapihan has been repeatedly denied.[26]

The Roman Catholic Church views the SBSI's alleged belief, that Senior Agila is the reincarnation of the Santo Niño, as an insult to the infant Jesus.[26]

Sitio Kapihan

[edit]
Sitio Kapihan
Informal settlement
Etymology: Place for cultivating coffee
Map
CountryPhilippines
ProvinceSurigao del Norte
MunicipalitySocorro
BarangaySering
SBSI signing of PACBARMA with the DENR2004[c]
Mass exodus to Kapihan2019
Suspension of PACBARMASeptember 2023
Cancellation of PACBARMAApril 4, 2024
Area
 • Total
353 ha (872 acres)
Population
 (2023)[28]
 • Total
3,350
 • Density950/km2 (2,500/sq mi)
Managing entitySocorro Bayanihan Services

The Socorro Bayanihan Services maintains a mountain community named Sitio Kapihan at Barangay Sering in Bucas Grande Island of Socorro, Surigao del Norte.[29] It also hosts the residence of its leader.[25] The name of the site is a reference to it being a former coffee cultivation place.[30]

Sitio Kapihan is situated on a 353 hectares (870 acres) land owned by the government which was leased to the SBSI by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Protected Area Management Board (DENR–PAMB) under a 25-year lease for agriculture farming purposes.[31] The DENR would suspend the associated lease agreement in light of allegations against the group which arose in September 2023.[32] Some members would return to their previous homes in response.[33]

The SBSI formerly maintained a tourist site at Kapihan,[34] the Kapihan Nature and Adventure Park which had a zipline installed in 2013.[30]

PACBARMA termination

[edit]

On April 4, 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources's Toni Yulo-Loyzaga canceled its June, 2004 - 25 years Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement No. 74007 with SBSI, over land grant violations in Surigao del Norte (a 353-hectare land in the Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape). “Today, we serve the closure order to SBSI,” she stated.[35] The cancellation order mandated the affected 1,425 households to “self-demolish their houses and to harvest their crops within a reasonable amount of time.”[36]

Leadership

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Current

[edit]

Senior Agila

[edit]
Main article: Senior Agila
Senior Agila

Jey Rence Quilario (born November 10, 2000) is the current president of the SBSI. According to the SBSI, Senior Agila is a "screen name" used by Quilario who they characterize as a composer and a member of the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. As part of claims of the group being a religious group, Senior Agila is reportedly a reincarnation of the Santo Nino. The SBSI has denied holding such belief about their leader.[17]

He was endorsed by Rosalina Taruc to succeed her role as the group's leader. Quilario would assume the role as SBSI president after Taruc died on June 27, 2021 with backing from Mamerto Galanida.[7]

Officers-in-Charge

[edit]

Rexson Lubapis reportedly is the interim leader of SBSI as the Officer in Charge (OIC) in October 2023 following the detention of Senior Agila.[19] Johan Lasala would be the OIC by March 2024.[11]

Former

[edit]

Albino and Rosalina Taruc

[edit]

The organization was founded by Albino Taruc[5] and his wife Rosalina "Nena" Taruc.[6][37]

Mamerto Galanida

[edit]

Mamerto D. Galanida[38] was a three-term municipal mayor of Socorro. He is the vice president of the SBSI under Quilario.[37] He was a Doctor of Education, who was a former Schools Superintendent.[39] He was also a former provincial board member of Surigao del Norte.[38][40] He died on July 13, 2024.[41]

Performing arts group

[edit]

The Omega de Salonera is a performing arts group connected to the Socorro Bayanihan Services.[29] performed at the 2023 Sinulog festival in Cebu.[42] In that edition, the dancing troupe clinched the grand prize in the Free Interpretation and Street Dancing awards. Their act featured the lead dancer riding a gold mechanical eagle.[43]

2023 Senate investigations

[edit]
Socorro Bayanihan Services Senate investigation
DateSeptember 28, 2023 (2023-09-28)
November 7, 2023 (2023-11-07)
Organised bySenate of the Philippines Joint Committee
  • Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs
  • Committee Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality
ParticipantsSenate:
Ronald dela Rosa
Risa Hontiveros
SBSI
Jey Rence Quilario
Mamerto Galanida
Janeth Ajoc
Karren Sanico
Socorro LGU and others
Riza Timcang (Mayor)
Edelito Sangco

In September 2023, Senator Risa Hontiveros, during a privilege speech, alleged that the group is a cult, claiming that they are engaged in forcing minors to get married, sexual violence, and financial extortion.[18] Senator Ronald dela Rosa likewise called for an investigation over the group's alleged operation of a methamphetamine laboratory and maintenance of a private army.[44]

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also launched their own investigation to look into claims that SBSI is collecting money from beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the government body's cash grant program.[45]

The group's vice president expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation.[46] He admitted to early marriages happening within the group but denied them being forced upon members.[14] He further denied the other accusations, including that his group was a cult. He attributed the claims to fabrications by former member Edelito Sangco.[47]

September 28 hearing

[edit]

On September 28, 2023, a Senate hearing led by Hontiveros and de La Rosa attended by SBSI leaders were held to tackle the allegations. SBSI President Quilario, Vice President Galanida and members Janeth Ajoc and Karren Sanico were cited for contempt during the hearings for their responses in queries regarding if child marriages are occurring within the group.[48]

The Commission on Human Rights would confirm the allegations of child marriages and human rights violations based on their initial findings.[49][50]

October ocular visit

[edit]

Senator Dela Rosa conducted an occular inspection at Sitio Kapihan on October 14, 2023.[51] He was accompanied by staff members of the offices of his colleagues Koko Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros[52]

Dela Rosa is convinced that SBSI is a cult, having observed the members' reverence to Senior Agila.[53][54] He believes that the members gave rehearsed answers during their investigation.[55] He however admits that they have not found any evidence of the SBSI maintaining a private army or a methamphetamine laboratory.[54]

Dela Rosa also directed the National Bureau of Investigation to look into a mass grave by the SBSI after finding out that most of those buried were that from children.[56]

November 7 hearing

[edit]

The plan to hold the second hearing at Sitio Kapihan did not push through. The hearing was still held at the Senate on November 7. Among the topics discussed were:[57]

  • Alleged torture of a senior citizen ex-member by the Soldiers of God militia. He was accused of using black magic.
  • A teenage girl who testified under the alias Chloe, says she was locked in a room allegedly by SBSI official Janeth Ajoc with a 21-year old man who raped her. She was 13-years old at the time.
  • The circumstances of the unrecorded deaths of babies at the Sitio Kapihan.

The contempt charges filed against the SBSI members laid last two months were lifted so that the arrest warrant against them could be served.[57]

[edit]

Legal charges have been filed against 13 SBSI officials, including Quilario.[12]

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on September 22, 2023 announced they would be handling the legal case filed against the SBSI in June 2023. The case was originally filed at the Provincial Prosecutors Office in Surigao del Norte but the prosecutors inhibited due to threats to their lives. The case was transferred to Manila.[58] The preliminary investigation by the DOJ was finished within the month.[59]

Other cases

[edit]

Five lawsuits filed against SBSI members has been dismissed. These [60]

The Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Dapa-Socorro Surigao del Norte dismissed the following due to lack of jurisdiction two cases filed in 2019:[60]

A case filed in 2021 was dismissed due to Lack of probable cause[60]

  • Alarm and Scandal

Two other cases were dismissed at a prosecutor's level.[60]

Notes

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  1. ^ As per Securities and Exchange Commission registration. The organization is said to have been organized prior to the 1970s
  2. ^ As per registration.[1] A people's organization (PO) is a group of people, which may be an association, cooperative, federation, or other legal entity, established by the community to undertake collective action to address community concerns and need, and mutually share the benefits from the endeavor.[2]
  3. ^ Protected Area Community-Based Resource Management Agreement (PACBARMA) between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the SBSI on June 15, 2004. The agreement was issued on August 31, 2004.[27]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Statement on the Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated". DENR. Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  2. ^ "DENR DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 96-29, October 10, 1996". Supreme Court E-Library. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  3. ^ "Senators bare Surigao Norte cult involved in rape, marriage of minors". Philippine News Agency. September 19, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "An alleged cult stayed hidden in the mountains for years until followers broke free. These are their stories". ABC News. November 3, 2023. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d "Authorities express alarm over 'cult' activities in Surigao Norte". Philippine News Agency. November 14, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Rita, Joviland (September 28, 2023). "Cook says he overheard plan to overthrow Socorro group founder". GMA News. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Who is Surigao del Norte 'cult' leader Jey Rence B. Quilario?". Rappler. September 28, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d "A brief history of Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated". Rappler. October 5, 2023. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c Gulle, Jimbo; Requejo, Rey (September 20, 2023). "Socorro denies being a cult, hits 'fabricated' case". Manila Standard. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  10. ^ "An alleged cult stayed hidden in the mountains for years until followers broke free. These are their stories". ABC News. November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Socorro Bayanihan may bagong lider [Socorro Bayanihan has a new leader] (TV broadcast) (in Filipino). February 20, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Tupas, Emmanuel; Galvez, Daphne (September 20, 2023). "Raps filed vs Surigao del Norte 'cult' members". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Casilao, Joahna Lei (September 19, 2023). "NBI already filed complaints vs. members of 'Socorro cult' —DOJ". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  14. ^ a b "Alleged Socorro cult denies sexual abuse among minors, defends child marriages". CNN Philippines. September 20, 2023. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  15. ^ "Socorro Bayanihan Services, nanindigang 'di sila kulto" [Socorro Bayanihan Services, insist that they are not a cult]. Brigada News (in Filipino). BNFM Makati. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  16. ^ "Children's suffering pushes mother to stand against Surigao del Norte 'cult'". Rappler. October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  17. ^ a b "Socorro group: 'Senior Agila' a composer, not Sto. Nino's reincarnation". CNN Philippines. September 20, 2023. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Al Jazeera Staff (September 19, 2023). "Philippines doomsday 'cult' accused of sex abuse of children". Al Jazeera. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  19. ^ a b Baua, Niko (correspondent) (October 19, 2023). Sumanib ang espiritu sa ibang lider? Ilang SBSI members bumaba mula sa komunidad [Spirit possessed another leader? Some SBSI members went down from the community]. TV Patrol (TV broadcast) (in Filipino). ABS-CBN – via YouTube.
  20. ^ "Mga miyembro ng SBSI pinagbawalan umanong magpabakuna vs COVID-19". TV Patrol (in Filipino). ABS-CBN News. October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  21. ^ "Ex-members of Socorro group tell tales of forced marriages, rape". GMA News. September 20, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  22. ^ "LGBTQIA+ members ng SBSI, pilit umanong ipinakakasal sa opposite sex". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  23. ^ Sitchon, John (October 7, 2023). "Surigao del Norte cult forced members to vote Marcos-Sara in 2022 election". Rappler. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  24. ^ a b Tamayo, Bernadette (September 28, 2023). "Boys trained as 'Soldiers of God' for Surigao Norte cult leader – witnesses". The Manila Times. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  25. ^ a b "'Socorro cult' opens base in mountain to CHR probers". GMA News. September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  26. ^ a b "Catholic Church, IFI question SBSI belief system". ABS-CBN News. October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  27. ^ "Statement on the Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated". Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  28. ^ Nazario, Dhel (October 18, 2023). "Villar tells DENR: Decide on Sitio Kapihan residents' resettlement". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  29. ^ a b Bongcac, Doris (January 22, 2023). "Omega de Salonera: Bayanihan, discipline are the secrets to their success". Cebu Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  30. ^ a b "Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte". Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  31. ^ Inocencio, Syrah Vivien (September 27, 2023). "Socorro group operating on government-owned land under lease – Surigao del Norte gov". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on September 30, 2023. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  32. ^ Cariaso, Bella (September 30, 2023). "DENR suspends protected area accord with Socorro village". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
  33. ^ "Some SBSI members leave Sitio Kapihan". GMA News. October 3, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  34. ^ Chi, Cristina (February 25, 2023). "Socorro NGO accused of child abuse eyeing to establish private school in community". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  35. ^ Gaea Cabico, Gaea Katreena (April 8, 2024). "DENR cancels deal with Surigao 'cult' over land violations". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  36. ^ Gozum, Iya (April 8, 2024). "DENR terminates Socorro 'cult' use of protected area". Rappler. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "Guv seeks deeper probe on Surigao Norte cult". MindaNews. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  38. ^ a b "[G.R. No. 180050, April 12 : 2011]". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  39. ^ Manabat, Johnson (September 28, 2023). "Higit 800 kabataang miyembro ng Socorro Bayanihan group tumigil sa pag-aaral" [More than 800 youth members of Socorro Bayanihan group stopped studies]. ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  40. ^ "Socorro leaders switch allegiance". Surigao Today. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  41. ^ Baua, Niko; Agcaoili, Nicole (July 13, 2024). "Vice president of controversial Socorro group dies at 82". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  42. ^ "What's next for Omega de Salonera? Possibly, the Wonju Dynamic Dance Carnival in South Korea". Cebu Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer. January 28, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  43. ^ "Cebu City considers banning Omega de Salonera from Sinulog over cult allegations". Cebu Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 1, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  44. ^ Ismael, Javier Joe; Tamayo, Bernadette (September 20, 2023). "Probe on 'cult' in Surigao sought". The Manila Times. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  45. ^ Torregoza, Hannah (September 20, 2023). "DSWD investigating reports of 'Socorro cult' getting members' 4Ps cash grant". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  46. ^ Ombay, Giselle (September 19, 2023). "Socorro Bayanihan ready to face probe into alleged abuse of minors in Surigao del Norte". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  47. ^ Ballecer, Jose Rafael (September 21, 2023). "Alleged 'Cult' Leader Denies Allegations Against The Group | OneNews.PH". Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  48. ^ Chi, Cristina (September 28, 2023). "Senate panel cites leader of Soccoro 'cult', three members in contempt". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  49. ^ Manabat, Johnson (September 28, 2023). "CHR kinumpirma ang 'forced marriage' sa Socorro Bayanihan group". ABS-CBN News (in Filipino). Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  50. ^ Abarca, Charie (September 28, 2023). "CHR: Forced child marriages, human rights violations committed by Socorro cult". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  51. ^ Abarca, Charie (October 6, 2023). "Senators to conduct an ocular at Sitio Kapihan of 'Socorro cult'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  52. ^ "Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, nasa Sitio Kapihan na" [Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, already in Sitio Kapihan]. Brigada News (in Filipino). October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  53. ^ Nazario, Dhel (October 16, 2023). "Dela Rosa: Socorro's SBSI is 'a cult by all definitions, elements'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  54. ^ a b "Bato convinced SBSI a 'cult' after trip to Socorro". CNN Philippines. October 16, 2023. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  55. ^ Chi, Cristina (October 16, 2023). "Dela Rosa: Socorro residents gave 'rehearsed' answers during visit". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  56. ^ "Dela Rosa: NBI told to investigate child deaths in 'Socorro cult' village". Cebu Daily Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  57. ^ a b Torres, Sherrie Ann (November 7, 2023). "Why did many SBSI couples lose their babies?". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  58. ^ Casilao, Joahna Lei (September 22, 2023). "DOJ to handle probe on 'Socorro cult'". GMA News Online. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  59. ^ Bautista, Nillicent. "DOJ ends Surigao del Norte 'cult' Probe". Philippine Star. No. 22 October 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  60. ^ a b c d Argosino, Faith (September 27, 2023). "5 of 10 raps filed vs alleged Surigao del Norte cult members junked". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
Public domain sources
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