MULTIPLE parricide charges will be filed on September 2 against a religious cult member who slaughtered his family in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
Police said Ramon Saballa belongs to the Sagrado Corazon Señor group, more popularly known as Tadtad.
"Wala daw ni siya’y bisyo, dili pud mo-inom ug mo-sigarilyo. He was known to be a very religious man, an active member of his church, and loves his family the most," Senior Police Officer 2 Jonel Antique said of the 33-year-old Saballa.
The Tadtad was established in Initao, Misamis Oriental, in 1972. Its members believe they can develop supernatural powers and make their bodies bulletproof.
During initiation, the applicant’s inner arm is struck 12 times with a sharp sword. If no cuts appear, he is welcomed to the group.
Antique said Saballa’s wife, Rosemarie, 30, was the secretary of the Tadtad in their community.
On August 29, Saballa hacked away at his wife and four children with a machete. He later told police that voices inside his head told him to do it.
The Saballa house became a gruesome crime scene. Three-year-old Ryan was found beside the door, his head chopped off.
Thirteen-year-old Rose was killed while she slept. The body of Anabelle Saballa, 9, was found 20 meters from the house, and that of 10-year-old Arnold about 200 meters further.
Antique said that even the family dog was killed.
Saballa said he spared one-year-old Angeline because the voices ordered him so.
Angeline is now staying with her grandfather. (PJ Orias)