A cult leader was arrested in Quezon City after allegedly raping three of his minor members, Jonathan Andal, reported in Unang Balita on Monday.
The three children, aged 10, 12, and 14, reported to the police after allegedly being exploited by the leader of the religious group they joined.
According to Police Lieutenant Elizabeth Jasmin, chief of QCPD Station 11, the suspect touched the children as part of the blessings.
The suspect was identified as Romeo delos Reyes, 46, working as a janitor in a warehouse.
Although Delos Reyes denied that he raped the children, he admitted that he once touched one to the chest.
According to police, the rape took place at the suspect’s house, which also serves as a house of prayer for his members.
According to the victim’s parents, they could no longer talk to their children properly after sleeping at Delos Reyes’ house.
“Tulala sila kasi according dun sa mga parents na na-interview namin, hini-hypnotize sila. Pag tinanong sila hindi sila sumasagot. After how many days tsaka na lang sila nakakausap,” said Jasmin.
(The parents we interviewed said their children were not talking, they were hypnotized. They don’t answer when they are asked. They just talked after how many days.)
Cult leader in QC arrested after allegedly raping 3 minor members
The suspect is also known as an albularyo or faith healer. One of his customers was the parents of the victims. His service is said to be free.
According to barangay officials, the cult has been dismantled. Delos Reyes has also been charged with Rape concerning Child Abuse and Illegal Possession of Ammunition because ammunition was allegedly confiscated.
The cult leader denied that the bullets were his.
Meanwhile, the number of residents who tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a drinking party and a wedding reception in Barangay Old Balara in Quezon City has reached 43.
Luisisto Santos reported on Dobol B TV that Barangay Chairman Alan Franza announced that extensive swab testing was conducted on more than 300 residents of Area 7 along Luzon Avenue on Saturday.
According to Franza, 12 were added to those tested positive in the previous 31 infected with the coronavirus.
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