4 tombs in Labangon cemetery collapsed

CEBU, Philippines — The peace and quiet at the Labangon Cemetery in Cebu City was disturbed yesterday when at least four niches collapsed.

This was confirmed by City Councilor Dave Tumulak yesterday.

“Mga nitso sa labangon natumpag, nanimaho, nakita mga patay,” said Tumulak.

Tumulak’s team cordoned off the area right after confirming the report.

Aside from the four niches, Tumulak also found another area where one tomb after the other piled up and is also on the verge of collapsing.

Tumulak said, upon checking, they found out that those niches were “sub-standard.”

“Ang gabuhat ani mga sepultorero ra sad sa area,” said Tumulak.

The City Health Department is currently checking on the death certificates of those affected by the structure that collapsed for the cause of death and from which funeral parlor it came from.

Based on the markers, the years of deaths were 2020 and 2021

The remains of one of the four cadavers were already exhumed and transferred to Calamba Cemetery.

Disinfection in the area was also done yesterday.

With this incident, Tumulak said, the city government will be gathering all “sepultorero” or grave diggers and have them trained.

“Ipatawag ang tanan sepoltorero sa City Hall para todloan sa sakto nga pagbuhat(niche),” said Tumulak. — KQD (FREEMAN)