The Rancho National High School in Santa, Ilocos Sur suspended classes following a series of incidents where several students reportedly experienced spirit possession.

One of the students, referred to as "Jenny" (not her real name), recounted her supposed experience with the supernatural during class morning on August 19, 2024.

Jenny, a Grade 10 student, said she reportedly saw a ghost of a child after which she experienced severe stomach pain and vomiting.

"‘Yung mata niya black, ‘yung ulo niya [ma]dugo-dugo… Umiyak ako tapos hindi ko na alam ginagawa ko," she said.

According to reports, as many as 11 students allegedly experienced the possession.

"Kagabi, hindi ako nakatulog kasi siya na ‘yung iniisip ko… Gusto ko na lumipat ng school," she said.

Her mother also expressed concern for her daughter’s well-being.

"Nakita ko siyang nakahiga sa plaza ng Rancho na hinahawakan ng mga tao. Nanlalamig siya at naninigas ang katawan. Halos ayaw na niyang mag-aral, iyon na lang kasi lagi ang iniisip niya," she said.

The school principal declined to comment on the situation, citing instructions from the Schools Division Office.

The students are scheduled to return to classes on August 27.

RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE

Rev. Rommel Arzadon, a local pastor, linked the events to witchcraft and demonic forces.

"In the Bible times kasi nangyayari na yan. Mga pangyayari na mga kababalaghan, it’s witchcraft — sa demonyo ‘yan," Arzadon said.

"Para hindi tayo masapian, we need to have a personal intimate relationship with God," he added.

PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

A psychologist provided a different perspective, suggesting that the incidents might be a case of mass hysteria or collective psychogenic illness.

"So, mayroon din tayong tinatawag na emotional contagion. Ibig sabihin ‘yung matinding emosyon pwede niyang mahawaan ‘yung ibang tao, na kung saan itong mga taong ito ay vulnerable or ‘yung madaling ma stress o madaling matakot," Mico Molina, a psychologist, said.

Molina added that the incidents could also be the result of fatigue, hunger, lack of sleep, or academic stress.

He emphasized the importance of psychological first aid, counseling, and stress debriefing to help the affected students.

He also noted that the guidance of cultural experts could be crucial in understanding and addressing the community's beliefs.