23 Die as Cult Leader’s Arrest Triggers Gunfire
- Share via
THE PHILIPPINES
*
At least 23 people were killed in two shooting incidents in the central Philippines after police tried to arrest a cult leader accused of killing his wife, police said.
Shooting started late Tuesday after 150 police arrived to arrest Ruben Ecleo Jr., leader of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Assn., on Dinagat island. Followers of the cult believe Ecleo’s father was the reincarnation of Christ.
The dead included a police officer, 16 cult members and a witness in the case against Ecleo, officials said. Ecleo eventually surrendered.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
