Ghouls haunt Malacañang by night (2)

People who worked in the Palace had the most memorable sightings during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. One of the witnesses said that one of Arroyo's generals suddenly became very scared.

"There's a Katipunero walking down the hall," the high-ranking general who was in the Palace told the people around him.

Hanged Man in Mabini Hall

According to several accounts of long-serving officials in Malacañang, a government employee reportedly committed suicide by hanging himself in one of the offices situated on the third floor of Mabini Hall.

The incident was said to have occurred during Marcos Sr.'s era, and the staff discovered his body the following day.

During a later administration, the office was refurbished, and a couch was placed in it. Curiously, individuals who took naps on this couch frequently experienced recurring nightmares.

The NEB or New Executive Building, which is currently being renovated to serve as a press office, is also home to different ghosts.

A long-time Malacañang janitor, who was in charge of taking care of NEB before the current Marcos administration decided to renovate the property, shared that the spirit of a child enjoyed running and playing in the NEB's lobby every midnight.

He narrated that the elevator within the NEB would inexplicably open, as if someone was about to enter, despite there being no one present. Only the sound of hurried footsteps is heard in such instances.

"I once saw a headless man floating in the air in one of the offices there. It was my first encounter with a ghost, and I felt an overwhelming sense of unease as if I were about to lose my balance. I had difficulty breathing, and I experienced a strong sensation of goosebumps," the employee said.

Mr. Brown

One gardener in Malacañang also shared a tale about "Mr. Brown." This resident Palace Kapre earned its name by choosing a tree as its dwelling place, particularly during the American colonial period, when the Philippines was under American rule, and the local population is often referred to as a "brown" race.

"Mr. Brown" made that Balete tree in the Palace his permanent residence, where he continues to dwell. Many people, including the gardener, claimed to see him at night. Like most kapres, Mr. Brown is described as a colossal figure, exceptionally large.

Incidents

However, despite his imposing size, "Mr. Brown" is considered to be a generally "good" character, though he can exhibit mischievous behavior, especially if passersby fail to acknowledge him with a greeting.

As the gardener said, not greeting Mr. Brown might result in minor incidents like accidentally tripping over or experiencing a sudden fall.

He added that there are moments when he can sense a sudden cold breeze, which is often interpreted as a sign that a ghost has passed by.

Amid the stories of ghost encounters are structures that stand silent, its secrets forever locked within its aged walls whispering stories of redemption and closure.

Restless spirits they may be, bound by the weight of their unresolved pasts, had clung to the places that should have become a place of healing.