As noted by one source, Santos taught his followers a "beautiful way" in which to pray and interact positively with others;[1] this was in contrast to other Filipino priests, who focused more on preaching and community functions.
[1] Santos' messages also revolved around nonviolence, equality, and nationalism - political credos which helped the Lapiang Malaya garner support among the poorer peoples of Luzon.
He was also purported to have healing abilities, superhuman strength, and invulnerability to bullets;[1][3] some of these beliefs were shared by other members of the Lapiang Malaya.
[4] In the Spring of 1967, Santos and the Lapiang Malaya organized a political rally in the Philippine capital of Manila, where they intended to peacefully overthrow the government of Ferdinand Marcos.
[6] He was judged to be insane by the Filipino government and confined to the National Center for Mental Health, where he was eventually killed by another patient.