Police raid sex cult in Marikina, 15 rescued

Marikina City, Philippines - Police rescued 15 minors after raiding the safehouse of a suspected sex cult in Marikina City Friday, DZMM reported.

Marikina police arrested cult leader Antonio Dumala Faelnar, 56, after raiding an apartment at No. 2 East Drive, Marikina Heights, Marikina City around 5 p.m.

Initial reports said one of the cult's victims escaped from the safehouse and told police that he was sexually harassed by Faelnar.

Faelnar, leader of the Global Empire Covenant and Divine Government, denied the allegations. He told police that he only sheltered minors from the provinces who had no place to stay in Manila.

He admitted, however, that his group sacrificed burnt offerings during weekends.

Police said Faelnar faces criminal charges for violating the anti-child abuse law and a city ordinance against illegal structures.