Woman from Talisay City "possessed" again

CEBU, Philippines - Residents in sitio Tres Aliños, barangay Poblacion, Talisay City, were startled after a 24-year-old woman went out of control early morning yesterday.

Jessica Reyes, a resident of Herbas Compound, barangay Dumlog of the same city, was believed to have been possessed by a spirit.

Emelita Mancao, 44, sister of Jessica’s boyfriend, said that last Wednesday night after a drinking session, Jessica and her boyfriend, Arlan Mancao, went to Mancao’s house.

But instead of entering the house, she ran to nearby bamboo plants, appearing to fear something.

Mancao said Jessica told them she saw again a dark bearded man.

The entire household and some neighbors were awakened at around 1 a.m. yesterday when Jessica started screaming and throwing things.

She stayed that way, without blinking for a period of time while saying some incorrigible things at the top of her voice.

This went on until almost noontime.

Jessica’s father, Alexander Reyes, 64, said the first incident happened sometime in September while his daughter and her friends were in Samboan town to attend a fiesta.

He said that while there, she made a scene, at the same time telling those around her that there was a man, black and bearded, who appeared to her.

The other incident reportedly happened last April 29 this year at a private resort in Talisay where Jessica was heard shouting from a bathroom.

One of her friends allegedly saw a man with the same features as earlier described by Jessica.

Mancao said every time they forced her to drink holy water, Jessica would collapse.

She would go mad if a crucifix was thrust at her or showered her with holy water.

Later that day, “spirit questors” arrived and prayed for her, which calmed her and put her to sleep. (FREEMAN)