Lapu-Lapu students possessed?

CEBU, Philippines - Ten high school students in Lapu-Lapu City were suspected to have experienced “possession” when they behaved strangely last Wednesday and Thursday night.

Basak Barangay Captain Isabelito Darnayla said the first incident happened at around 9 p.m. last Wednesday when two male students acted strangely. Also in the evening the following day, eight female students displayed unexplainable behavior.

“Pag Wednesday kay duha ka lalaki’ng estudyante ang nasudlan, karon kay walo — ang lima kay naulian ra dayon pero ang tulo kay grabe ang possess,” Darnayla said.

It was around past 8 p.m. when Darnayla received information about the incident. He said three of the girls got angry when touched or held by their teachers or parents.

The voice of one of the girls reportedly changed into a woman’s voice, saying “Ngano gi-guba ninyo among balay?” while the voice of two students reportedly turned into that of children, saying the same words.

“Na-shock ang mga estudyante og nanagan palayo. Ang mga parents kay nasagmuyo usab human sa nahitabo, nangahadlok,” Darnayla said.

The parents and teachers immediately wrapped rosary beads around the girls’ wrists and brought them to the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Barangay Marigondon at around 10 p.m. where they were given Holy Water. The girls reportedly calmed down eventually.

Darnayla said the unusual behavior happened after someone opened an old water well at the back of the school. Students also said the “bad spirits” got angry because several gmelina trees in the area were cut down.

“Storya pud sa kaarang panahon nga dunay tulo ka tawo nga gilubong didto sa area nya ang Sitio Sudtunggan pud kay usa ka kalibunan og batuan nga dapit,” Darnayla said.

He said the recent incidents were not the first in the barangay, as a resident also displayed the same behavior years ago.

Lapu-Lapu City Schools Division Supt. Eduardo Ompad said they have sent their staff to visit the school to investigate the incident and evaluate the situation there.

A general meeting with parents and teachers was also called to discuss the incidents after parents have expressed fear of sending their children back to school.

The Sudtonggan Elementary School holds night classes for about 400 high school students, which starts at 4 p.m.

Church officials said prayers are important but cautioned the public from jumping into conclusions.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said any phenomenon must be examined thoroughly before assuming it as supernatural.

“We have always been careful in believing something as demonic possession right away. I believe in science. We should try to exhaust all natural measures. Personally, I’m not easily convinced or tend to easily support claims on supernatural. All natural means must be exhausted before calling it possessions,” Palma explained.

Cebu archdiocese spokesperson Monsignor Joseph Tan echoed the prelate’s opinion, saying events must be verified by authorities while praying for strength and faith.

“As always, consult the assistance of the parish priest to verify the situation... Prayers for the concerned... And reception of the sacraments especially confession,” Tan told The Freeman in a text message. — with Jessa J. Agua/JMO (FREEMAN)