BAYBAY CITY, Leyte – The VSU Supreme Student Council held a candle lighting ceremony for Ronie Recilla, a VSU computer science student who was shot dead at Brgy. Guadalupe, on August 27.
The tribute was held at the VSU Gazebo on August 31, joined by VSU students and faculty. Prayers, songs and messages were offered to Ronie during the tribute.
Christian Bandibas, Recilla’s friend and classmate, shared a message in memory of his departed friend.
“Si Ronie fond gyud magduwa og basketball. Sa among block nagsabot mi nga mag-contribute aron makapalit mi og bola. Karon Monday ra jud, nakapalit mi pero wa na siya kagamit. Bisag wala na si Ronie, gusto namo nga himuong tradition nga every Friday magduwa mi [ug basketball]. Gamiton to namo nga bola. It’s a reminder unsa siya ka-importante,” Bandibas said.
(Ronie was fond of playing of basketball, so we decided in the block to buy a ball. We were able to purchase one last Monday but he didn’t even have the chance to use it. Ronie is no longer here but we still want to make it a tradition to play basketball every Friday. We will use that ball to remind us how important he is.)
Vice President for Instruction, Dr. Beatriz Belonias, and USSO Guidance Coordinator, Mrs. Marwen Castañeda, joined the tribute as well and the flying of white balloons as a symbol of seeking justice for Ronie’s untimely death.
USSC President, John Allan Gulles closed the ceremony by reminding everyone to be more vigilant and safe inside and outside the campus.
Ronie’s body was brought to his family in Butuan City, Caraga, the day after his death. Police are still investigating the killing of Recilla, as of writing.