Victim’s return to cult’s house may weaken case, says PWC

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Women’s Commission expressed fear that the case of serious illegal detention filed against the ‘cult leader’ in Balamban town may weaken.

This after the victim ‘Emma’ (name withheld) opted to return to the compound of ‘cult leader’ Casiano ‘Tatay Boy’ Apduhan in Barangay Buanoy, Balamban after she was released from the custody of PWC.

“We are worried because the mere desire niya nga to go back to the villa, mahulog nga way serious illegal detention,” said Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, co-chairperson of PWC.

Emma also reportedly visited Apduhan at Toledo City Jail.

“Ilang istorya nga gisaaran ang ilang igsuon nga siya (Emma) ang balaan nga babaye alang gyod sa Dios Amahan,” Magpale said.

The members of the Technical Working Group of the PWC, as well as the National Bureau of Investigation-7, convened yesterday to discuss their move regarding the matter and the cases against Apduhan.

Magpale disclosed that psychological and physical examinations have been administered to Emma but refused to divulge the result.

She, however, said bruises were found in the body of the victim.

Apduhan was brought to Toledo City Jail last week after being indicted for criminal charges of serious illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms.

Last month, the PWC and personnel of the NBI-7 conducted an operation at Apduhan’s house supposedly to rescue a woman, identified as “Emma,” who was reportedly detained by Apduhan for five years already.

However, during the operation, authorities also seized a handcuff, and two paltik .38 revolvers.

They also found the remains of a 15-year-old boy buried deep inside a 30-foot tunnel under Apduhan’s house.

The boy was identified as Angelo Repuela.

Apart from the illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms, Apduhan is also facing charges for murder and violation of the expanded anti-trafficking in person law over allegations of forced labor based on the affidavits filed by Angelo’s parents.

Magpale said they have yet to investigate the cause of Angelo’s death for them to work on the murder case against Apduhan. (FREEMAN)