Print

Only God can make us leave

Sun.Star, Philippines/Mar. 26, 2008

By Mia E. Abellana

The group follows no Bible. It doesn't even have a name.

The followers of "Pagtulun-an sa Dios Amahan", a name outsiders have called them, only rely on the word of God, which is delivered to one of their members.

For those who follow the Pagtulun-an sa Dios Amahan, the word is delivered by Jessica Sayson, who inherited it from the founder, Billy Robusto.

Since Robusto, a faith healer, died of an illness, many thought his wife Leonora would take over the group.

Instead, they said, his powers were transferred to Jessica, Leonora's sister.

Jessica said they had to stay inside the house because God the Father was about to pass judgment on the living and the dead.

"Only God the Father can tell us when we should leave," Jessica told reporters.

All the members of the group stood firm in their decision to stay inside and keep praying. They remained oblivious to the ridicule of their neighbors, who all gathered around their house in Sitio Bito, Barangay Baring, Carmen.

"A few hours from now, judgment will be rendered. We don't want to leave because there is evil outside," Jessica explained in a voice that, to her mother Milagros Pasaje, did not sound like her own.

Robusto reportedly founded the group in the 1990s, when most of the family members still lived in Mandaue City.

Three years ago, they moved to the hilly side of Carmen town although some family members like the Saysons remained in Mandaue City.

Milagros said that three years ago, the group did not stay inside too long.

They said that Robusto would hole up inside the house the whole day of Maundy Thursday but would come out every Good Friday.

Neighbors said the group did not bother them and it was only this year that they started acting up.

The commotion started when Jessica's husband Edilberto Sayson began questioning them.

Edilberto said things were different and that they did not even argue when they arrived in Carmen town from Mandaue City.

But when they refused to leave the house last Friday, he found it odd and insisted they go out because his back was beginning to ache just sitting down and he had to return to the city because of his job.

But Jessica insisted that he stay. Other members of the group also told him that if he left, something bad would happen to him.

Jessica had alleged that God the Father would cleanse the earth of all evil and will send a catastrophe. If he stayed inside the house, it would be safe.

Jessica and her followers said they did nothing wrong and were not holding anyone against their will.

But as parents, they knew what was good for their children and refused to hand them over to the authorities.

"We take care of our children and we leave other people alone. Why should you be worried about our children?" Jessica told police.

To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here.

Disclaimer