Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. | |
 Seal | |
 PBMA Divine Master's Shrine, Aurelio, San Jose, Dinagat Islands. | |
| Formation | 1965 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Ruben Ecleo Sr. |
| Location | |
Membership (2013) | 140,000 |
The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. (PBMA) is a non-sectarian and non-profit charitable religious fraternal organization for men and women in the Philippines founded by Ruben Edera Ecleo Sr. (December 9, 1934 – December 20, 1987) in 1965 on the Philippine island of Dinagat, off the coast of Mindanao. Upon the senior Ecleo's death in 1987, he was succeeded by his son Ruben B. Ecleo Jr., who died in prison on May 13, 2021, after being convicted of killing his wife in 2002.[1]
As of 2013, the group claimed to have 140,000 members.[2] It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in Makati, Philippines on October 19, 1965, under Registration No. 28042. Its main office is located at San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.
The Manila Times estimates the group has raised at least PHP 35 million in entrance fees from its members since its founding.[3][4]
- ^ Musico, Jelly (May 13, 2021). "Cult leader Ecleo dies". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
- ^ Tupaz, Voltaire (May 5, 2013). "Dinagat: The hands that heal hold power". Rappler. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
- ^ "Philippines shoot-out leaves 17 dead". BBC News. June 19, 2002. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
- ^ "PBMA founder a 'Christ-like' figure" Manila Times Gomez, Herbie June 9, 2002[dead link]