BORONGAN CITY — A solemn religious celebration turned violent Monday when a brawl erupted among students during the annual Padul-ong Festival at the town plaza across from Borongan Cathedral.

The disturbance began on 7 September during the announcement of winners for the festival’s street dancing competition.

Witnesses said participating students threw plastic bottles to protest the results before the crowd became rowdier, hurling plastic monoblock chairs between opposing camps.

The Padul-ong Festival features a reenactment of the transfer of the image of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the city’s patroness.

The event includes a fluvial parade across Raws Bay from Barangay Punta Maria to the city port, followed by a procession to the cathedral. Schools from Borongan and nearby towns perform in a street dance competition during the procession to vie for cash prizes awarded at the plaza.

Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda expressed sadness over the incident, saying it showed disrespect to the patroness and tarnished the city’s image among visitors.

Agda ordered an immediate investigation and promised sanctions for those involved, including possible criminal charges and removal from government aid programs.

Personnel from the Borongan City Police Station responded to contain the melee at the Borongan City Plaza Grounds.

In a statement, police strongly condemned the acts of violence, reminding students, parents, school authorities, and participants that actions threatening public safety will not be tolerated.

The violence drew widespread disappointment from residents, who noted that the event failed to reflect the city’s motto, “Boronganon ako, disiplinado ako.”

Community members called on festival organizers to conduct a formal review, hear from the involved parties, and hold those responsible accountable.

Police urged the public to refrain from retaliation, avoid spreading unverified photos or videos online, and report related incidents through official channels as the investigation continues.