CLASSES are suspended for the entire week in a school in Argao, Cebu after some six high school students were allegedly possessed by spirits last Monday morning.
Yesterday, Barangay Lamacan Captain Modesto Villacruel said the Argao Center for Science and Learning Inc. held a mass and invited a priest to bless their campus on Carlock St., Barangay Lamacan.
The school was supposed to have an exam this week before going on a semestral break.
But because of the incident, classes are suspended for the entire week and the students were told go back to school on Nov. 5.
An official of the Archdiocese of Cebu said they are willing to assist the students.
Msgr. Joseph Tan, Cebu Archdiocesan spokesperson, said that if the parents of the students will allow them, a priest who is an expert in exorcising demons and spirits can help.
Tan said incidents of demonic possessions in children occur because of the influence of movies and television that expose them to occult rituals and teachings.
“They are often exposed to movies and shows that glamorize the practices concerning the occult. They look at it as a sort of gimmick,” Tan said.
But the incident has to be investigated to determine if the possession was authentic.
He said the Archdiocese of Cebu will talk to Argao’s parish priest to conduct an investigation.
Proven
If demonic possession is proven, a trained priest will conduct a “rite of deliverance” for the six students.
Tan said there are priests in the Archdiocese who are practicing exorcism as part of their ministry. This includes retired priest Msgr. Frederick Kriekenbeek.
At 9 a.m. last Monday, when the school was about to have its recess, six high school students allegedly started to act strangely.
Villacruel said one of the teachers sought the help of the barangay, located about 20 meters from the school.
“Nagdali-dali mi og tawag og pari kay ingon man sila na-possess kuno ang mga bata (We immediately called a priest for help),” said Villacruel in a phone interview.
He said that when he was informed about the incident, he went to the school and saw a 16-year-old female student being held by her teachers and classmates.
“Kusgan gyud kaayo siya unya iyang mata gasiga ug nausab iyang tingog (She was very strong, her eyes were bulging and her voice changed),” said Villacruel.
Six students, aged 14 to 16, were allegedly possessed at that time, said Lia Chavez, school principal.
It took three hours to calm the students. Of the six, only one is a boy, aged 16.
Chavez said that after the incident, the affected students said they saw a demon-like creature with horns and tails.
Yesterday, when the school held a mass, only a few students attended. The six affected students stayed home.