Gabâ is distinct from panghimaraot (curse) whereby a transgressed person pronounces a maldesyon against the transgressor. In panghimaraot, evil is asked to befall on the sinner; with gabâ, evil is sure to befall on the sinner, even if it is not asked. Sometimes Cebuanos blurt out threats of gabâ, "Gabâ-an ka gyod!
The passage describes the difference between Gabâ and Panghimaraot, two distinct forms of curses used in Cebu. It explains that Gabâ is a stronger curse, where evil is guaranteed to befall the transgressor even if it's not explicitly requested. The example "Gabâ-an ka gyod!" illustrates this concept.