Tommy "has no knowledge" of Bargayo event

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña strongly denied allegations that he is the one who initiated the project for the crucifixion of Gilbert Bargayo at barangay Duljo-Fatima on Friday purposely to reduce the people who will witness a similar event in barangay Guadalupe.

“Gituyo g’yud na ni Tommy, usa g’yud siya sa sponsor ana ni Bargayo kay aron gamay ra ang motan-aw sa Buhing Kalbaryo sa Guadalupe kay si Mayor (Michael) Rama man ang nagpasiugda sa maong kalihukan,” said an Osmeña critic yesterday.

The performers of Buhing Kalbaryo will also dramatize the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and the actor who will act as Jesus would be also nailed to the cross, but Bargayo is more popular to the Cebuanos because he has already done this kind of sacrifices in the past few years.

Osmeña was surprised when The Freeman asked him to confirm the allegations that it was he who sponsored Bargayo’s scheduled crucifixion in barangay Duljo-Fatima.

“Wala ko kahibalo ana,” said Osmeña. (I don’t know about that.)

Duljo-Fatima Barangay Councilman Ricardo Joel Ycong said what he heard is that Rama himself had helped them realize the project in their barangay, although he did not say how much was the amount involved.

“Wala ko makadungog nga mihatag si Tommy, si mayor Rama hinoon kay mao may giduol ni Kapitan (Elmer) Abella,” said Ycong. (I haven’t heard reports about Tommy giving money for it, what I know is that it was Rama who sponsored the event.)

Ycong said they decided to ask Bargayo to perform by allowing himself to be crucified at their barangay, hoping that it will encourage some of their constituents to change their bad habits.

“Gipangita g’yud namo si Bargayo didto sa iyang gipuy-an sa Carcar. Ang tumong namo nga makahinuklog ang mga tawo nga magtan-aw sa kaagi sa Ginoo,” said Ycong. (We really looked for Bargayo in his hometown.)

Barangay Duljo-Fatima is one of the barangays in Cebu City where illegal drugs is a serious problem. According to Ycong, the agreement was that any donations that will be received will be turned over to Bargayo.

Bargayo who has been crucified to the cross several times already has dreamed of building a chapel.

At 9 a.m. of Friday, Bargayo will portray Jesus Christ by carrying a wooden cross while he will walk around the streets of the barangay. At 2 p.m. he will be nailed to the cross.

Ycong said the venue along Spolarium Street where Bargayo will be nailed can accommodate around 4,000 persons, but vehicles are not allowed to enter the place starting in the morning.

– (FREEMAN)