At the age of 14, Jane should have been experiencing the joys of adolescence like any other teenager. However, her life took a dark turn when she was forced into marriage with an 18-year-old stranger, all in the name of securing her place in heaven. Similarly, Chloe, just 13 years old, was coerced into marrying a 21-year-old man under the belief that it was God’s will for her.
These young girls, now 15, were under the influence of Jey Rence Quilario, the leader of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI), a religious group based in Surigao del Norte. Quilario, also known as Señor Aguila, was idolized by SBSI’s 3,650 members as the reincarnation of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Shockingly, he not only claimed that these forced marriages were approved by God but also allegedly gave husbands the right to rape their child brides, citing their marital status.
SBSI is currently under investigation by the Senate for multiple violations, including forced labor and sexual violence against minors. Senator Risa Hontiveros has condemned SBSI as a “cult” due to the manipulative tactics employed by Quilario and other leaders to control their members. However, SBSI denies these allegations, arguing that they are simply a “people’s community” following the concept of “bayanihan” and insisting that all underage marriages had parental consent.
Renowned sociologist Janja Lalich, an expert on cults, has extensively studied how such groups isolate their members and assert control over their lives, from their physical appearance and financial assets to their living arrangements and personal relationships. While various cults may differ in extremity, they all demand blind obedience to a leader and strict adherence to the group’s rules and norms.
Hontiveros shared disturbing accounts from former SBSI members, detailing the punishments inflicted on those who dared to defy the group’s rules. These punishments included being confined in a foxhole and being forced to swim in a pit filled with urine and feces. There are also allegations that SBSI collects 50% of its members’ pensions and 4Ps allowances as a sign of their commitment and loyalty.
Cults can take many forms, not just religious ones. They could manifest as political groups, professional associations, or self-improvement methods. Research shows that cults strategically target vulnerable individuals who yearn for purpose or belonging due to past neglect or current challenges. These cults promise answers and solutions to life’s difficulties, showering recruits with attention and engaging them in “high-arousal” activities that keep them constantly occupied and excited. These tactics make individuals more susceptible to conditioning, conditioned to view self-sacrifice and conformity as necessary steps toward achieving the cult’s proclaimed goal.
While cults exist worldwide, countries like the Philippines create an environment conducive to their growth. With organized religion playing a central role in Filipino society and a belief in God as a primary source of moral guidance, charismatic leaders who promise hope and comfort find fertile ground to thrive. In the absence of robust social safety net programs, individuals are easily drawn to groups that offer practical and spiritual support.
Moreover, most children become members of cults through their families. Cultural expectations and the strong emphasis on filial piety in Filipino households discourage children from leaving or questioning the group’s practices. I recall a former classmate who was part of a religious sect that prohibited women from cutting their hair. Despite her weariness of her calf-length hair, she didn’t want to disappoint her parents by rebelling.
As an educator, stories like SBSI serve as a stark reminder of the urgency to teach students how to think rather than what to think. Our education system must prioritize instilling critical thinking skills in our children to protect them from exploitative practices perpetuated by groups like SBSI. Additionally, access to quality education and other programs that foster equity and inclusivity can help diminish the allure of cults.
On a personal level, we must continuously reflect on our beliefs and associations, analyzing the paths they lead us down. As Lanlich emphasizes, if someone asks us to sacrifice our relationships or morality for the greater good, they are likely exploiting us for their own gain.
For any inquiries, please contact Eleanor at [email protected].
Please subscribe using the form below.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
