Argao "demonic possession" a warning – Msgr. Tan

CEBU, Philippines - An official of the Archdiocese of Cebu said the alleged demonic possession of six high school students in Argao town should serve as warning for parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children.

Monsignor Joseph Tan, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said that the children could have been exposed to charms, chants, films, movies, and series that serve as portal of the "evil spirits."

Tan, however, clarified that demonic possessions are determined only by a psychiatrist or by a legitimate exorcist.

"Duna man sad gud nay possibility nga nag-hallucinate sila  or they had been abused by people," Tan explained.

He said the incident served as an eye-opener to parents to always watch over the activities of their children either at home or in school.

 "I am confident that if a person is baptized lisod ning angkunon sa dautan o bisan unsa nga anaa sa gawas," he said.

Monsignor Frederick Kriekenbeek, official exorcist of the Archdiocese of Cebu and founder of the Mary's Little Children in Talisay City, explained that unconfessed sin is one of the primary entry points of evil spirits.

Kriekenbeek  added that there is also a possibility that children of unmarried parents and lack of spiritual ties to God could lead to demonic possession.

"Once we entertain or even believe in evil spirits it could be an indicator for them to get into one's body," he explained.

The Archdiocese of Cebu has already asked Reverend Father Dindo Yosores of the Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Argao to assist the students reportedly possessed by "evil spirits."

Six students and one teacher at the Argao Center for Science Learning, Inc. were reportedly possessed by "evil spirits" Monday morning, prompting the school to suspended classes.

A16-year-old female high school student reportedly started acting strange in the middle of her class. Minutes later, others were also acting the same. A male student claimed to have seen a demon wearing black robe.— (FREEMAN)