SAN FABIAN -- Members of the Crusaders of the Divine Church of Christ Philippines, Inc. (CDCCPI) all over the world are mourning the death of their founder and leader, Monsignor Rufino "Apo Rufing" Magliba.
Magliba, a "divine healer," died on April 26, 2008. He will be buried on June 2, 2008 beside the CDCCPI temple located in Barangay Magliba (formerly Barangay Nibaliw West) here.
Members from the different CDCCPI chapters have come to San Fabian to pay last respects to their leader.
San Fabian Police Chief Chito Esmendi said police visibility within the area was increased to assist and secure the mourners.
Aside from Magliba followers, politicians and other personalities also gave their last respects to the man who greatly gained prominence from the time he established his church.
When he was still alive, politicians seeking elective positions came to him to be prayed over and blessed.
Magliba, who was also referred to as the "Chosen One", established the CDCCPI in 1955. It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Sec) on September 27, 1955.
In his previous write-ups, veteran writer Jun Velasco (a friend of Magliba) stated that couple Felipe Magliba and Petronila Sarmiento found baby Rufing in 1921 in Macalong, Asingan town (Pangasinan).
He was christened Rufino Sarmiento Magliba. In his birth certificate, he was born on September 25, 1921.
Magliba disappeared when he was in Grade III. He was found at the boundary of Asingan and Binalonan towns by a couple who brought him home to Dagupan. Accordingly, at 12 years old, Magliba was entrusted to a businessman from this town.
It was here where he built his congregation and the CDCCPI temple.
It is yet to be known who will succeed him. (LCMY/Sunnex)
