Cebu tremor destroys, exposes remains in cemeteries

Even the dead was not spared by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu province on Sept. 30.

- By CALVIN CORDOVA

Aside from collapsed houses, commercial buildings, and damaged roads, some cemeteries in Bogo City were also in shambles following the strong quake that left at least 70 people dead.

At the new Corazon Cemetery in Barangay Sambag, hundreds of tombs were severely damaged, exposing human remains.

According to Barangay Councilor and "sepulturero" (gravedigger) Lando Bentulan, 1,000 tombs and bone chambers were crippled.

Bentulan said recently built graves were easily destroyed as the fresh cement failed to withstand the jolt.