Bogo cemeteries in shambles after 6.9-quake

Local

NOT only the living but also the dead were caught in the quake’s fury.

The New Corazon Cemetery in Barangay Sambag, Bogo City has become one of the most haunting reminders of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked northern Cebu on September 30.

Hundreds of tombs lie fractured, some overturned, others split apart to reveal the remains they once protected.

What used to be a place of peace now mirrors the destruction above ground—its paths strewn with fallen slabs and cracked bone chambers.

Barangay Councilor and sepulturero (gravedigger) Lando Bentulan said about a thousand tombs and bone chambers were damaged when the tremor struck.

He explained that recently built graves were hit hardest, as the fresh cement could not withstand the quake’s force.

Some tombs sank, while others caved in completely.

Bentulan appealed for understanding from the families of the deceased, saying the destruction was an act of nature.

“Amo lang gihangyo nga ang mga tagtungod makasabot sila kay waman ni tuyua, gikan man ni sa kahitas-an,” he said.

He recalled witnessing massive destruction during Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, but said the earthquake brought a deeper sorrow—disturbing not just the living, but even those who had long been laid to rest.

The collapse of several bone chambers has also made identifying some remains difficult, adding to the anguish of affected families.

Bentulan estimated that the cemetery holds around 30,000 burials, making the extent of the destruction enormous.

He warned that some families who have not yet visited may find their relatives’ graves cracked, displaced, or crushed.

Among those who went to the cemetery was Rosalina Ramos, who visited her sister’s tomb on Friday, coinciding with her sister’s death anniversary.

She said she was stunned to see a large crack running through the grave and admitted feeling uneasy at the sight.

The local government, led by Bogo City Mayor Maria Cielo Martinez, has urged residents to personally inspect their loved ones’ graves and report any damage to city officials.

Martinez said personnel are now documenting the extent of the destruction and identifying which areas require clearing or reinforcement.

She assured that the city will assist families who cannot afford repairs.

With All Souls’ Day approaching, residents continue to visit the cemetery—some cleaning debris, others lighting candles among the ruins.(MyTVCebu)