Charges readied vs Cebu cult leader

For alleged violation of human rights, environmental laws

Manila Bulletin/February 4, 2003
By Mars W. Mosqueda, Jr.

Cebu City -- An inter-agency task force is set to file charges against the Salva Me Pater Omnis Oculus Meus cult and its leader, Alfredo "Daddy Divine" Verano, for alleged violation of laws on environmental protection and human rights.

As this developed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered the cult leader to stop the illegal treasure-hunting activities in the mountain barangay of Buhisan, this city where the cult's place of worship is situated.

Eddie Gurrea, case officer of the Region 7 Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the task force, composed of different government agencies, is still awaiti g Verano's answers to allegations that he exploited children and conducted treasure hunting without permit.

Verano was given 10 days to submit a counter-affidavit from the day the CHR-led task force went to Verano's mountain hideout last week and presented to the cult leader the cases and accusations hurled against him.

Richard Abella of the Cebu City Community Environmental Resources Office (Ce nro) said he issued last week the cease-and-desist order after a meeting with different groups and barangay officials concluded that the cult activities are illegal.

Abella said DENR's case against Verano, who could be held liable "for destroying the environment," would be consolidated with the findings of the other agencies.

During the meeting, cult members admitted they had not secured any per mit for their digging operations. Cenro officials served a copy of the cease-and-desist order to the other group that was also digging for treasures in Buhisan.

Abella warned that the Cenro could ask police to step in if the groups go on with their illegal activities. He said Cenro had deployed a team to monitor the group's activities. Under the law, treasure hunters must acquire a permit from t he DENR to make sure they conform with safety and procedural standards.

The treasure hunters must share their find with the government, Abella said.

He said that even if an area is privately owned, minerals and treasures found beneath the surface belong to the government.