In the Philippines, exorcism is a recognized ministry within the Roman Catholic Church, though it is carried out only by certain priests who have received specific authorization from their bishops. These exorcist priests are part of a broader effort to address what the Church calls spiritual or demonic possession, extraordinary phenomena, and deliverance ministry. Because the practice involves careful theological and pastoral training, not all priests are exorcists; only those approved and appointed by their diocesan authorities can perform formal rites of exorcism. Over the years, several Filipino priests have become known for their work in this area, serving in various dioceses and specialized offices of exorcism across the country.
Exorcist Ministry in the Philippines
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) supports the ministry of exorcism through diocesan programs and organizations such as the Philippine Association of Catholic Exorcists (PACE). This group of canonically mandated exorcist priests is connected with the International Association of Exorcists, which sets guidelines and promotes spiritual formation for exorcist ministers. PACE has registered many priests nationwide who are authorised to carry out this sensitive ministry in alignment with Church doctrine and pastoral care practices.
Role and Training
Priests who serve as exorcists typically undergo additional spiritual and theological training, sometimes with courses offered in partnership with international exorcist organizations or with guidance from senior exorcists. Their work involves careful discernment of reported cases of demonic possession or harassment, collaboration with medical and psychological professionals, and performance of the Rite of Exorcism only after thorough evaluation. The Church emphasises caution and pastoral sensitivity, warning against unofficial figures who may claim to be exorcists without authorization.
Notable Exorcist Priests in the Philippines
Several Filipino priests have gained recognition for their roles in the ministry of exorcism. These clergy members serve in different dioceses and often collaborate through PACE or diocesan offices of exorcism.
Father Jose Francisco Syquia
Father Jose Francisco Jocis Syquia is perhaps the most widely known exorcist priest in the Philippines. He serves as the director of the Archdiocese of Manila Office of Exorcism (AMOE) and has been a prominent figure in public discussions about spiritual deliverance. Ordained in 2000, Syquia was granted faculty to perform exorcisms a few years later and has since headed AMOE, which investigates and ministers to cases of alleged demonic possession. His work includes diagnosing spiritual cases, performing exorcism rites in Latin, and forming part of efforts to build a dedicated center for spiritual liberation and exorcism in the Philippines.
Father Winston F. Cabading
Father Winston F. Cabading, OP, is another priest associated with the ministry of spiritual liberation and exorcism under the Archdiocese of Manila and the Commission on Extraordinary Phenomena. He has been involved in exorcism ministry and spiritual care, often emphasising proper pastoral and liturgical practice in dealing with spiritual afflictions. Though his public profile has included controversies unrelated to exorcism, Cabading’s work still reflects the involvement of Dominican clergy in the broader exorcist ministry.
Father Michell Joe Zerrudo
Father Michell Joe Zerrudo is noted as an exorcist in the Diocese of Cubao, where he heads the exorcism ministry. In Catholic directories and ministry listings, Zerrudo is referenced as a chief exorcist who provides spiritual support and deliverance prayers for those believed to be under demonic influence. His work includes teaching other priests about spiritual warfare and the proper use of sacramentals as part of pastoral care.
Father James Anthony Del Rosario
Assigned to the Diocese of Kalookan, Father James Anthony Del Rosario is another priest recognised within PACE for his role in the exorcism ministry. Appointed as an exorcist, he provides spiritual guidance and deliverance ministry to people who seek help through the official Church channels.
Father Ambrosio Nonato Legaspi
Father Ambrosio Nonato Nonette Legaspi serves as a chief exorcist in the Diocese of Novaliches. His role, like other diocesan exorcists, involves pastoral outreach to those undergoing spiritual distress, careful discernment, and the performance of rites under ecclesiastical authority.
Exorcist Teams and Regional Ministers
Beyond individual priests, many dioceses across the Philippines have ministry teams or designated priests who can perform exorcisms or assist in spiritual liberation. These teams operate within structures like diocesan offices of exorcism, pastoral care, or through PACE’s network, which includes priests from numerous regions. The association promotes mutual support, spiritual formation, and cooperation among exorcist ministers.
Examples of Diocesan Exorcist Ministers
- Diocese of Pasig – Exorcist priest assigned
- Archdiocese of Cubao – Exorcist leadership by Fr. Zerrudo
- Diocese of Parañaque – Exorcist priest Fr. Agalito Tarog
- Diocese of Dipolog – Fr. Leo Gilbero (formerly Kalookan)
- Various suffragan dioceses with local exorcist priests
These priests and teams work under the guidance of their local bishops and cooperate with the national and international exorcist community.
The Role of PACE and Exorcism Training
The Philippine Association of Catholic Exorcists (PACE) plays a key role in organising and supporting the ministry of exorcism in the Philippines. Established with the approval of the Archdiocese of Manila and recognised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, PACE provides a framework for training, formation, and mutual support for exorcist priests. It organises seminars, conferences, and formation programs to help priests grow in spiritual discernment, theological knowledge, and pastoral practice related to spiritual liberation.
Objectives of PACE
- Promote proper spiritual formation and training for exorcists
- Provide mutual help and protection for exorcist ministers
- Strengthen pastoral care for those experiencing spiritual afflictions
- Encourage collaboration with the international exorcist community
Common Misconceptions About Exorcist Priests
There are many misconceptions about exorcism and the role of exorcist priests in the Philippines. First, not every priest can perform an exorcism; only those authorised by their bishop have this faculty. The Catholic Church emphasises careful discernment and often requires medical and psychological evaluation to rule out natural explanations before an exorcism is considered. With rising interest and occasional media coverage, the Church also warns against false claims and unofficial practitioners, urging people to consult only authorised clergy.
The list of exorcist priests in the Philippines includes several clergy who have been formally appointed to perform the Catholic Rite of Exorcism under the authority of their bishops. Priests such as Father Jose Francisco Syquia, Father Winston F. Cabading, Father Michell Joe Zerrudo, Father James Anthony Del Rosario, and Father Ambrosio Nonato Legaspi represent a small but dedicated group within the Church’s ministry of spiritual liberation. Supported by organisations like the Philippine Association of Catholic Exorcists, these priests undergo formation and cooperate in responding to reported cases of demonic influence or possession. Their work continues to be grounded in Church teaching, pastoral sensitivity, and careful discernment, ensuring that exorcism rites are conducted responsibly and with proper ecclesiastical backing.