Only 50 of 10,000 earthquake-damaged graves in Bogo City repaired

Only 50 of the 10,000 graves damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu, on September 30 have been repaired.

According to the report of GMA Regional TV’s Fe Marie Dumaboc on “24 Oras” on Friday, the local government and a church have helped in covering the damaged graves in Corazon Cemetery. 

“Now the LGU helped us, as well as the church. They cooperated to cover the damaged graves,” said cemetery caretaker Lando Bentulan. 

Most of the earthquake fatalities, including a family of 11 who were pinned down by rubble in Barangay Binabag, were buried in Corazon Cemetery. 

The earthquake has also affected flower vendors near the cemetery. Only a few put up their stalls this year, as some still fear the aftershocks they are experiencing. 

“It used to be busy there, but now the business is slow. Maybe others are afraid to sell, thinking that no one will buy. Maybe they are still afraid to go out,” said flower vendor Alma Gesta. 

Meanwhile, some found ways to earn money, like cleaning graves. 

“There was no aid provided. If there is aid, it's not enough. It's really difficult, so we just clean up here at the cemetery,” said Kathleen Malinao, who resorted to cleaning graves along with her nephew after losing her job. 

In a cemetery in San Remigio, the effect of the earthquake is still evident as apartment-type graves have collapsed. 

“This is the first time I've been able to visit, but I already know [the situation], because my siblings have already visited it. As they said, the graves have tilted,” said Evelyn Toquero. 

In the same cemetery also lie the remains of the two Philippine Coast Guard personnel who died at the collapsed sports complex during the earthquake. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News