Historical Background
The area now known as the Golden Rapture Prayer Mountain holds a deep, complex, and once-painful history. Long before it became a place of worship and national intercession, this site functioned as a strategic and heavily fortified camp of the New People’s Army (NPA), as well as a temporary refuge for armed bandit groups operating in Southern Mindanao.
This location served as a key operational hub of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC), including the notorious Pulang Bagani Command (PBC-1). It was first utilized as a guerrilla camp under the leadership of Commander Cobra and later expanded under Leoncio Pitao, more widely known as Commander Parago, one of the most high-profile and feared commanders of the NPA.
At the height of its operation, the camp housed more than 500 armed guerrillas. It was reinforced with defensive fortifications, training grounds, and a makeshift medical facility staffed by doctors and nurses who treated wounded combatants. The area became a sanctuary for injured fighters, a planning center for insurgency operations, and a refuge for breakaway leaders and armed bandits, including former NPA commanders Dante and Isaac. The final NPA commander known to have used the site as a principal base was Commander Jinggoy.
Over time, those associated with the camp met different fates. Commander Parago, Commander Dante, and Commander Isaac were killed, while Commander Jinggoy was apprehended by government forces after sustaining severe injuries during an armed encounter in the tri-boundary area of Davao City, Arakan Valley (North Cotabato), and Kitaotao (Bukidnon). In a remarkable personal transformation, Commander Cobra later renounced armed struggle and is now serving as a key leader within a Church ministry.
For decades, this place symbolized fear, violence, and rebellion—an epicenter of conflict where ideology and armed struggle shaped the lives of individuals and nearby communities. Yet even in such darkness, God’s redemptive purpose was already at work.
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
— Colossians 1:13
This verse powerfully captures the journey of the Golden Rapture Prayer Mountain—from a place once dominated by fear, violence, and rebellion into a sanctuary of God’s love, peace, and divine purpose.
In a profound and symbolic reversal of history, this former stronghold of armed rebellion has been transformed into a sacred place of prayer and spiritual renewal, now known as the Golden Rapture Prayer Mountain.
This transformation was led by Bishop Rod Cubos, the spiritual leader of Christ the Healer International Missions Movement and the Founding Chairman of both the Love Philippines Movement and the First World Philippines Movement. Through his leadership, vision, and unwavering faith, the area was reclaimed—not by force or weapons, but by prayer, worship, and obedience to God.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
This verse speaks directly to the physical and spiritual restoration of the mountain—where destruction has been replaced by prayer, and desolation by hope.
What was once a place marked by secrecy, fear, and gunfire now echoes with worship songs, heartfelt intercession, and proclamations of peace. Once a training ground for armed struggle, the site now declares God’s authority over violence, affirming His power to establish peace where conflict once ruled.
“He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two.”
— Psalm 46:9
Daily Prayer Life on the Mountain
Today, the Golden Rapture Prayer Mountain is alive with spiritual purpose and disciplined devotion. Every day, 40 to 50 committed members of Christ the Healer International Missions Movement gather faithfully on the mountain to pray.
Prayer gatherings are held twice daily:
- 4:00 a.m. – Morning Intercession
- 6:00 p.m. – Evening Prayer Vigil
These gatherings are dedicated to praying for Davao City, the Philippines, and the nation’s leaders. Intercessors seek God’s wisdom, guidance, and protection, lifting prayers for unity, moral leadership, peace, justice, and compassion.
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
— Isaiah 56:7
The mountain has become a spiritual watchtower—a place where believers stand in the gap for the nation and the world.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
— Romans 12:21
Once marked by uncertainty and danger, the land now proclaims God’s promise of hope, direction, and a peaceful future.
“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”
— Jeremiah 29:11
Ultimately, this transformation did not occur through might or human power, but through surrender to God.
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts.
— Zechariah 4:6
The Golden Rapture Prayer Mountain stands today as a living testimony to peace, spiritual revival, and the enduring hope that God brings to the heart of Davao City and the Philippines.
