Prosecutors have filed over a dozen cases against the leaders of the contentious Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated (SBSI) group before a regional court in Dapa, Surigao del Norte.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that the group, headed by Jay Rence Quilario, also known as Señor Aguila, faced indictment on 21 charges, including qualified trafficking in persons, facilitation of child marriages, solemnization of child marriages, and child abuse, as of November 6.

Señor Aguila, along with twelve leaders and members of SBSI, a group accused of engaging in cult practices, were among those indicted.

The individuals named in the cases include Mamerto Galanida, Karren Sanico, Janeth Ajoc, Wenefredo Buntad, Giovanni Leogin Lasala, Ibrahim Adlao, Jovelito Atchecoso, Sergio Cubillan, Daryl Buntad, Jonry Elandag, Yure Gary Portillo, and Florencio Quiban.

During a news conference, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that the DOJ expected arrest warrants to be issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Surigao del Norte imminently.

Four of the accused, Quilario, Galanida, Ajoc, and Sanico, had been detained at the Senate for their refusal to respond to questions during a Senate hearing in September.

Their detention stemmed from allegations related to the controversial group.

Remulla further informed that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was actively investigating the alleged abuses that took place in Sitio Kapihan, Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

Due to security concerns, the DOJ is contemplating moving the cases against Quilario and his associates from Surigao del Norte to Metro Manila or other areas.

The DOJ acknowledged that the initial prosecution work had faced delays due to various inhibitions by prosecutors. In October, the NBI sought the issuance of precautionary hold departure orders (PHDO) against Quilario and several SBSI officials.

Senator Risa Hontiveros played a pivotal role in bringing SBSI and Quilario to the forefront. She delivered a privilege speech in the Senate, exposing alleged abuses committed by SBSI leaders against their members, particularly minors.

The revelation served as a catalyst for the legal actions taken against the group and its leaders.