MANILA, Philippines - Eighteen students and a teacher were allegedly possessed by spirits inside a school in Alcala, Cagayan.

Video footage showed the students fainting, shouting and acting as if in a struggle. Teachers then placed rosaries on them, anointed them with oil and prayed over them.

One student even tried choking himself and had to be restrained.

One teacher, Jennylou Alluvida, admitted that she felt a presence suddenly wrapping her in a heavy embrace. She said she told her students to come near her before she fainted.

Principal Myrna Calvo of the St. Philomene Academy said it was the first case of possession in the school in its 62-year history.

"I am really very scared," she said.

The alleged possession started last Monday after a tree-planting activity near a cemetery located near the academy.

Students have offered food near the cemetery while some have started wearing rosaries to school.

Students and teachers have also started regular prayer in the school.

ABS-CBN Umagang Kay Ganda, Sept. 19, 2012