The Philippines has opened its first-ever exorcism center—also considered the first in Asia—which would serve as a formation hub for Catholic priests seeking to enter the exorcism ministry as Filipinos dabble with occult practices and even Satanism to cope with daily challenges.

Home to more than 85 million Catholics, the country continues to see a rise in reported cases requiring exorcism, particularly among the youth, according to Rev. Fr. Jose Francisco Syquia, chief exorcist of the Archdiocese of Manila.  The St. Michael Center for Spiritual Liberation, opened in February, houses several bedrooms for priests abroad who need to temporarily stay in Manila, a pantry, conference room, meeting rooms, a counseling room, a chapel, and a viewing room for the relatives of the possessed and observing priests-in-training.