People say water gushing near chapel ‘miraculous’

CEBU, Philippines - People from neighboring barangays have flocked to Sitio Laguna, Barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City the past three weeks to have their fill of water that suddenly flowed beside the San Roque chapel there.

Because the water was discovered beside a holy place, people concluded that it was miraculous, as supposedly attested to by those who got "healed."

Barangay Captain Yolandito Cagang, however, did not take any chances and called on the Cebu City Health Department to test the water to see if it is safe for drinking.

He said the water may turn out unclean or contaminated, causing water-borne diseases and other related illnesses, his constituents' health might get affected.

Over a hundred people from different areas who have heard about the water over the radio and in the television rushed to the village, bringing with them containers to get some water to use as a liniment. Others even drank the water.

Chapel president Jonie Reyes said lay members discouraged the people from drinking the water and not to easily believe unverified reports.

Many, however, ignored the advice, including traffic enforcer Tayox Limbaga, who said the water tasted different from tap water provided by the Metro Cebu Water District that is treated with chlorine.

There were also people who claimed they were healed from their illnesses after drinking the water and applying it on their body's affected areas.

Even Reyes claimed the swelling in his hand decreased after he soaked it in the water.

It has been three weeks since the spring was discovered when the cement of the chapel's wall appeared damp.

Chapel adviser Romeo Hugo said they would check the source of the water after the celebration of San Roque's feast day this Sunday.  (FREEMAN)