Compromise reached on Sugat

CEBU, Philippines -  Local church leaders and the city government of Minglanilla have reached a compromise for this year's "Sugat Kabanhawan" in the town.

In a close-door meeting facilitated by Cebu Episcopal Vicar Monsignor Esteban Binghay, the municipal government and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Shrine agreed to still hold the event at the town's sports complex but not to hold a disco prior to the Sugat.

"I'm very happy and thanks to the Lord nga na dala nako sila para magkasabot gyod," Binghay said.

Binghay said the venue for next year's Sugat will be determined based on the outcome of the event on Easter Sunday.

Last Sunday, priests of the Heart of Mary Shrine initiated a signature campaign among parishioners to return to the traditional ways of holding the "Sugat sa Kabanhawan".

The campaign specifically aims to discontinue the disco at the "Sugat" venue and to bring the event back to the front of the church. The "Sugat" has been held at the town's sports complex in recent years.

The signature sheet did not indicate the reason(s) behind the campaign but Rev. Fr. Arnie Visitacion, STL mentioned during the mass Sunday that the disco prior to the "Sugat" often ended up with people drunk who reportedly cause trouble during the "Sugat" itself. Also, it has been observed that many young people displayed undesirable acts such as public display of affection during the "Sugat", which interferes with the solemnity of the event.

In a separate interview yesterday, Minglanilla Mayor Elanito Peña said every problem is meant to be solved.

"Nagkasinabot nami nga walay disco kay dili man pod mi gusto og gubot , pero ang Sugat dili ma-transfer," Peña said. 

Visitacion himself said he is happy with the outcome of the meeting. "(It's a) triumph of faith over human tradition," he said.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, meanwhile, said he did not see the need for him to intervene in the situation in Minglanilla and advised the parish priest and the mayor to settle the matter at their level.

"I told the parish priest to talk to the mayor to settle the matter," he said, adding, "I trust that they will be able to find a way to solve this conflict. The whole idea is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the venue should not be problem."

With the Sugat in Minglanilla a go, the town's police chief Richard Gadingan appealed to the public to be cautious, aware, and vigilant should they decide to witness the event. Minglanilla has earned the reputation of being the "Sugat Capital of the South" and, as usual, many people are expected to attend this Sunday.

"Dili lang unta magdala og too much money, og expensive things. Ang kwarta dapat igo lang gud nga makakaon, og pangplete kun mag-commute," Gadingan said, adding, that his men will be on full alert status starting tomorrow, Holy Thursday.

The Provincial Police Office has already deployed 40 police personnel to Minglanilla to augment the local police force up to Easter Sunday.

"Ang among security sa PNP magpabilin, bahala'g bisa'g asa ang venue, magpabilin mi nga intact ug magpabilin ang high morale sa among tropa," Gadingan said.

The Sugat showcases the meeting of Mother Mary and the resurrected Jesus Christ early dawn of Sunday, three days after Jesus died following the crucifixion.  (FREEMAN)