‘Socorro cult’ leader has power to stop rain, says ex-member

The leader of the Surigao del Norte-based organization Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) Jey Rence Quilario, alias Senior Agila, faces the Senate committees on women and children, and public order and dangerous drugs on Thursday, September 28, 2023. (Photo from Senate of the Philippines livestream)

MANILA, Philippines – A former member of  the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI) claimed that alleged cult leader Jey Rence “Senior Agila” Quilario has the power to stop rain and make birds sing.

Former educator and ex-member of SBSI Regin Raiza Guma made her claims on Thursday, Sept. 28, during the Senate hearing on SBSI’s suspected cult-like activities.

Guma recalled that there was a time that Quilario, who led the Omega de Salonera in the 2023 Sinulog Grand Parade, shouted “let the bird sing!” and a bird, indeed, sang.

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She also claimed that there was also an instance when it was raining hard and Quilario purportedly shouted “let the rain stop!,” and the rain did stop.

According to Guma, she became a “diehard believer” of Quilario because of these supposed “powers.”

“Noon ‘yun. Noong sobrang diehard ako, kaya nga tumigil po ako sa pagtuturo,” said Guma.

 (That’s only then. When I was still a diehard believer, that’s why I stopped teaching.)

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Guma left the group in June 2022.

Apart from allegedly being able to stop rains and make birds sing, Guma claimed Quilario can also “change and contort his voice into different persons.”

“Ang cousin ko ay nagkasakit siya at dinala sa hospital. Biglang dumating din si si Jey Rence Quilario. Pag dating niya sa ospital ay pabago-bago ang boses niya,” Guma claimed.

(My cousin got sick and was taken to the hospital. Jey Rence Quilario suddenly arrived and his voice kept on changing.)

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Guma said Quilario can speak like an old woman and old man.

Asked if there’s truth to these claims, Quilario replied “that is not true.”

Later in the hearing, Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Risa Hontiveros asked Guma why she was lured to join SBSI.

“Pinapangakuan po kami ng langit. Kapag po kami ay makasunod sa kanya, lahat po kami ay mapupunta ng langit. Ang hindi sumunod sa Kapihan ay mapupunta sa impyerno,” Guma said.

(We are promised heaven. They said if we follow him, we will all go to heaven. Those who do not obey to the rules of Kapihan will go to hell.)