DUMINGAG, Zamboanga del Sur — A religious group known as the Bishop of the Philippine Divine Missionary Church (BPDMC) Inc., or more popularly called Rizalian 4K, has recently gone viral after videos of their activities atop a mountain in Barangay Salvador, Dumingag, surfaced online.
The group, which refers to its mountain site as Belen Bagong Jerusalem, was established in the 1950s and claims to have more than 10,000 members across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. While some observers and netizens have described the group as a “cult,” members insist that it is a legitimate religious organization officially registered under the name BPDMC Inc.
According to members Junard and Jonathan, the site in Purok 6 is considered sacred by their congregation. They said the place was built by their founding leaders decades ago and has since become central to their faith practices.
“It was established in the 1950s. Now we have more than 10,000 members nationwide. The place we call Belen Bagong Jerusalem is sacred because of the many miracles we have witnessed there,” said Junard.
Members also explained that their processions and rituals, which recently caught public attention online, are forms of sacrifice and devotion. Strict rules are observed within the compound, including prohibitions on loud noises, cellphone music not aligned with their songs, and taking anything from the site, such as fruits or flowers, which they consider sacred.
“It’s where we believe we will attain salvation,” Jonathan added.
Despite skepticism from outsiders who question the group’s beliefs and practices, members maintain that their faith is genuine and deeply rooted in devotion.
Local authorities have yet to issue a statement regarding the group’s activities, but residents in nearby communities say the Bag-ong Herusalem site has long been part of local lore — a place shrouded in both mystery and faith.
Whether it is viewed as a religious sanctuary or a controversial sect, the Belen Bagong Jerusalem in Dumingag continues to draw curiosity and debate, reflecting the diversity and complexity of religious expressions in the Philippines.