Inside the weird Filipino cult that steals KNEECAPS from graves believing they will make them INVISIBLE
Stomach-churning footage shows a 'blessor' from the religious Iron King group who wears a belt made of bones preserving kneecaps that were stolen from graves
A FILIPINO cult claims that its devotees will receive powers of invisibility if they keep human bones stolen from graves in their mouths.
Stomach-churning footage shows a “blessor” from the religious Iron King group preserving kneecaps that were stolen from graves, claiming they will grant his followers superhuman powers.
Documentary-maker Nikon Celis said the group pay grave robbers to steal bones from cemeteries, and then they preserve them using bleach and coconut oil.
The cult then makes belts out of the human remains – or they hold the bones inside their mouths in the belief that if they do, they will hide from sight.
Iron King blessor and member Angelito "Rambo" Oreta, who wears one of these belts night and day, told Nikon: “It is found in the bible, Ezekiel 37 the valley of dry bones, 'you offer their spirit to god and to wash their sins by means of prayer or oracion'.
“The spirit of the body will work as a guardian for you if you offer them a prayer or oracion. They'll even protect your house and your family.
“If you don't offer any prayers, they'll be the one who puts you in harm’s way.”
Angelito said the grim good luck charm increases the power of your punches when fighting with enemies.
But he said the most magical powers are drawn when the human body part is put inside your mouth.
Angelito, from Manila, added: “Sometimes you have to put it inside your mouth, which makes you invisible to your enemy’s eye.
“Or at least they won't notice your presence.”
The organisation, known locally as Haring Bakal, or Iron King, came together to combat a Muslim insurgency in the 1970s.
There were tales of fearless fighters charging into hand-to-hand combat with armed troops.
The group has now found a foothold in the primarily Catholic nation, with roughly 100 members in total including policeman and soldiers who have reportedly joined for their own safety – despite the group being labelled a cult.
Last month, the group made headlines by claiming to grant members “bulletproof powers” by hacking them with machetes.
Nikon, who took part in the machete ritual and filmed the blessor handling the stolen body parts, said: “I can understand for some people this is crazy or disgusting.
“It could be seen as offensive to the family of the deceases, why would you do that? But I also respect their belief.
“Sometimes they rob the graves themselves and sometimes they pay a professional. Both ways are illegal, of course.
“They say the protection is much better to know the name of the human so you can call their name during the prayer.
“The Philippines has many mysterious traditions. I know it’s taboo to other cultures, but it’s different over here.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.