“Evil possession” puts cop chief in hot water

CEBU, Philippines – The alleged demonic possession that happened to at least six students and one teacher of a private school in Argao Monday has put the town's police chief in trouble.

Inspector Alejandro Batobalonos was ordered yesterday by Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac to explain in writing why he failed to notify the provincial headquarters about the incident.

Gillamac said it is the station chief's responsibility to immediately inform the provincial commander of any significant incident happening within its area of jurisdiction.

"Tinuod na no, any significant event sa ilaha kinahanglan masayod ang provincial director para ma-report pod nato sa taas, dili kay sa balita na ta makahibawo nga naa diay nahitabo," Gillamac said.

Gillamac, however, said he only needed a written explanation when pressed on what possible sanctions Batobalonos might face for failure to immediately report the incident.

Batobalonos said he will immediately comply with the directive today.

"Motuman ta sa mando ugma mahatag na nako ang akong tubag," Batobalonos said.

The incident also forced the management of Argao Center for Science Learning Inc. to suspend classes until November 5. The school decided to forego of the scheduled final exams to allow the students to rest for a while.

The decision was also upon the prodding of Lamacan Barangay Captain Modesto Villacruel.

The school was supposed to resume regular classes yesterday as announced by Lia Chavez, owner and principal of ACSL Inc.

The barangay captain said it was the first time he experienced an alleged possession by "evil spirits".

"Cincuenta y siete ka tuig nako nga nagpuyo diri, dinhi man gyud ko natawo, mao pa gyud to una'ng higayon nga naka atubang ko og ingon ato," Villacruel said.

But he admitted it was not the first time that such an incident had happened in Argao. To his knowledge, it was the third time already. Previously there were also similar incidents reported in Argao National High School and Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus.

Although he does not believe in "evil possession," he admitted that last Monday's incident is difficult to explain.

"Naa gyu'y pwersa ba kay kaniwang ato'ng mga bata nganong madaog man nila ang mga dagku nga naghawid nila," Villacruel said.

Six high school students and one teacher were allegedly possessed by "evil spirits". ACSL Inc. management, however, said there were only four students and no teacher involved.

But the students said there were actually six of them and one teacher.   – /FPL (FREEMAN)