Mindanao, September 20: In the mountainous region of Mindanao, Philippines, a religious group, Omega de Salonera, is accused of a range of disturbing activities, including sexual violence, forced marriages, extortion, and involvement in the drug trade. Originally a civic organisation called Socorro Bayanihan Services, this group has transformed into a quasi-religious entity. It is now believed to have around 3,500 members, including 1,580 children, who live secluded in a heavily guarded mountain enclave.

According to multiple reports, Senator Risa Hontiveros of the Philippines recently brought these allegations to light during a Senate speech, referring to Omega de Salonera as an "armed and dangerous" cult backed by eyewitness testimonies and harrowing accounts from escapees. One such account comes from Chloe, a 15-year-old girl who was coerced into marriage with a 21-year-old man at the age of 13 by the group's leader, Jey Rence B Quilario. Quilario, who claims to be the reincarnation of Jesus and is referred to as The Messiah, reportedly locked Chloe in a room with her husband and encouraged him to assault her sexually. Philippines Post Office Fire Video: Major Blaze Destroys Historic 100-Year-Old Mail Office Building in Manila.

Senator Hontiveros further revealed that Quilario was involved in sexual abuse and violence against other minors within the community. In early 2019, following a series of earthquakes in Surigao del Norte province, Quilario exploited the disaster to attract more followers, prophesying that the end of the world was imminent and salvation could only be found by joining the group in the mountains. Members were threatened with the grim prospect of "burning in hell" if they refused to leave their homes. Consequently, a mass exodus to the mountains ensued, with followers surrendering their salaries. Philippines Boat Capsize: 26 Dead, 3 Missing as Passenger Vessel Overturns in Laguna Lake.

Hontiveros also disclosed that the group's primary source of funding is derived from the drug trade, and its leaders use members as a "human shield" to evade prosecution for drug-related activities. In response to these grave allegations, Senator Hontiveros's office has called for a thorough investigation into the group's activities. A senior member of the group, Mamerto Galanida, has denied the accusations and asserted the group's readiness to cooperate with any investigation. The Philippines has witnessed the emergence of various religious groups labelled as "cults" by authorities over the years, some of which have resulted in tragic outcomes.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2023 10:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).