[3][4] According to sect doctrine, Ecleo Sr. was trained by "voices" to fluently read and write Arabic, Hebrew, Sanskrit, and Aramaic, in order to interpret ancient mysteries.

PBMA followers also viewed Ecleo Sr. as a Christ-like figure, who could accomplish anything by reciting the Mantra, and like the Christ of the Bible, was also able to resurrect the dead.

Gunfire had erupted, as a joint force of PNP officers and troopers from the Philippine Army's 20th Infantry Battalion moved in to serve an arrest warrant.

The raid had begun after negotiations had broken down and approximately 2,000 PBMA followers had surrounded Ecelo's mansion and barred all access.

The gun battle during the night left 23 dead, including one police SWAT officer and 16 armed PBMA members.

On April 25, 2008, the sixth judge, Geraldine Faith Econg, per a 24-page resolution, recused herself amid accusations and her own admission that two women approached her to ask how much would she need in payment for dropping the case.

Police later said that he had fled the Dinagat Islands and moved to Metro Manila in 2014[8] before ultimately hiding in a subdivision in Angeles City under a false name.