Exorcist’s help sought in Barili “possession”

CEBU, Philippines - One of seven Barili town students who allegedly possessed by spirits was sent for possible exorcism to the Mary’s Little Children Community in Talisay City, where the official exorcist of the Archdiocese of Cebu resides.

The parents opted to bring the student to Monsignor  Fred Kriekenbeek for further observation and to see if she really is possessed.   The student was among the seven students of Bartolome and Manuela Pañares Memorial National High School who were reported to have been possessed Wednesday afternoon.

Senior Police Officer 2 Reynaldo Layese told The FREEMAN that past 4 p.m. the other day, a concerned citizen called the police station and sought their assistance in attending to the seven students.

He said they went to the school and were told that five fourth year students, a third year student, and a grade seven student were beside themselves and were suspected to be possessed by spirits.

Layese said the seven students were surrounded by their parents and were screaming and speaking words that could not be understood when they arrived.

“Magsige ra man to’g siyagitay unya gitabangan sa mga tawo, nga ang mga tawo nag-prayer. Sige sila’g ngisi-ngisi,” the policeman said.

 As the kibitzers started to gather and other police officers tried to keep them away, the parents and some school officials decided to bring the students somewhere for help.

The students were immediately brought to the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Anne in Poblacion, Barili town to be blessed by the parish priest.

The students allegedly then calmed down a few hours after they were brought to the town church, except for one fourth year student.

After the six students were deemed to be already in stable condition they were allowed to go home. The remaining student, on the other hand, was still screaming so she was brought to Mary’s Little Children Community in Talisay City.

Layese said that it was the first time for him to witness persons allegedly being possessed by spirits.

But, he said, the students who were not violent but were just only screaming and laughing for no apparent reason.  (FREEMAN)