Man To Be Crucified In Cebu For 22nd Time Offers Sacrifice For Peaceful, Honest Polls

Gilbert Bargayo, now known for having himself crucified during Good Fridays, will have himself crucified for the 22nd time on Good Friday in Tuburuan town in northwestern Cebu and offers his sacrifice for peaceful and honest elections on May 9.

This will be the fourth time Bargayo, 56, will be crucified in Tuburan town, some 120 kilometers from Cebu City.

“This is for the elections. Orderly, no trouble, no killings,” Bargayo said.

Tuburan, Cebu Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante said he welcomed Bargayo’s decision to do his sacrifice again in Tuburan.

He had been crucified in Barangays Guadalupe and Duljo-Fatima in Cebu City; Cainta, Rizal; Tacloban City, Leyte; Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; Carcar City, Cebu; Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu; and in Tuburan.

Diamante said he supports Bargayo’s initiative of showing how Christ died on the cross as a “wake up call” for Tuburan residents to change their ways.

He said Bargayo’s re-enactment of Christ’s crucifixion always draws both local and foreign tourists in his town to film and take photos of the re-enactment of the passion of Christ.

Diamante said he plans to make the crucifixion a yearly event in his town even if Bargayo will no longer have himself crucified.

Bargayo said being crucified in the town is the least he could do to help Tuburan.

Bargayo, who grew up in Tacloban City, Leyte, but whose parents had moved to Barangay Cogon, Carcar City, said his preparations for every crucifixion include prayers and 40 days of fasting ending on Good Friday. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS