30 studes ‘possessed’

BANSALAN, DAVAO DEL SUR – Around 30 high school students of Marber National High School in Km. 84, Barangay Marber were believed to have been possessed by evil spirits on Tuesday which prompted teachers to immediately suspend classes.

The possessed stu- dents reportedly started shouting inside the classroom while their voices changed and they went berserk.

The alleged possession reportedly started around 10 a.m. but this was later controlled after some of the students were brought to the nearest hospitals and attended by physicians. Catholic Church catechist also responded and prayed for them.

Delarey Florentino, school principal, told Sun.Star Superbalita that another possession happened which affected at least 15 third year and fourth year students.

He said that some students regained consciousness at the hospital while some others were taken to the Immaculate Conception Parish.

Miriam Molina narrated that issues on possession started last Monday in one of their classrooms but it was immediately blessed by a ‘Pangulo sa Liturhiya (President of Liturgy).

The incident prompted school officials to also suspend night classes but it resumed yesterday after a Holy Mass was offered by Faculty members.

Molina said the school compound is surrounded by big and old trees that were cut during the construction of the new twostorey building where the possessed students where holding classes.

Now that the new building was already blessed, teachers of the school are hoping that the bad spirits leave the place.

Sta. Maria town parish priest Father Bong Templa said in a previous interview that nature or the presence of trees in a particular area should not be blamed for possessions, saying that trees are innocent unless used as instruments for evil practices. He also suggests that the family or the persons with the one who is possessed should avoid asking the victim questions, and should rather pray the Holy Rosary, and firmly believe in the power of the Divine Providence.

Victims of possession should also abandon demonic items and evil practices so as not to be taken in control again. ORLANDO B. DINOY