MANILA (UPDATED) — Mamerto Galanida, Vice President of Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI), passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 82, according to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The NBI reported that Galanida had been suffering from various health issues, leading to his request for hospital arrest, which was granted by the court last week. He was subsequently moved to a medical facility in Parañaque City, where he succumbed to multiple medical complications and the effects of aging.
Former members and victims of SBSI have accused Galanida of involvement in numerous illegal activities, including human trafficking, forced marriages, and rape. In a privilege speech in September 2023, Senator Risa Hontiveros alleged that Galanida had groomed Jey Rence Quilario, known as “Senior Agila,” to assume the role of a “Messiah” or “new Jesus.”
Both Galanida and Quilario have consistently denied these allegations. In October 2023, the NBI arrested Galanida and other SBSI leaders following the issuance of arrest warrants related to 21 criminal charges filed against them.
Galanida and his co-accused remained in NBI custody, with no bail recommended for their release. He previously served three terms as the municipal mayor of Socorro and as a provincial board member of Surigao del Norte.