Msgr. Esteban Binghay, episcopal vicar of the Archdiocese of Cebu, urged people to always be guided by the “sound doctrine” of the Catholic Church.
He said cults are groups that come up with separate teachings and devotion other than what has been taught by the Catholic Church.
“To avoid being considered as cults, please coordinate with your parish priests in whatever religious undertakings you do,” said Binghay, a canon lawyer.
Binghay’s advice came after authorities arrested cult leader, Casiano Apduhan Jr., last week in his villa in Balamban.
The remains of a boy buried in a tunnel excavated under Apduhan’s house was found.
Yesterday, Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale distributed Certificates of Recognition to the NBI and SWAT team, as well as to members of the Provincial Women’s Commission (PWC) who were responsible for Apduhan’s arrest.
Apduhan is facing charges of serious illegal detention and illegal possession of firearms before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutors’ Office.
Also charged with serious illegal detention was his driver, Victor Fajardo.
Meanwhile, Monsignor Binghay recalled hearing about Apduhan’s grandfather “Tatay Loloy”, Sr., who started the practice of healing people.
While there is nothing wrong with healing, Binghay said, claiming to have brought a dead person back to life is another thing.
“That’s already pride. Saying you’re able to raise someone to life is taking upon yourself what only the Lord can do,” he explained.