TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Church bells and sirens rang in Bohol on Tuesday to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the devastating earthquake that killed at least 222 people.
Residents prayed as they heard the bells and sirens at 8:12 a.m., the time when the deadly 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook the province on Oct. 15, 2013.
“As long as I am alive, I will be here. I want to remember them forever,” said Genara Somoro who lost her two children during the earthquake.
People whose loved ones died offered flowers and lit candles to remember the victims of the earthquake.
In Tagbilaran City, a Mass was celebrated at the new Provincial Capitol. After the Mass, Acting Bohol Gov. Rene Relampagos said the activity reminded the Boholanos of the importance of preparedness and resiliency.
Bohol 1st district Rep. Edgar Chatto, who was the governor when the quake shook the province, said in a statement that it is but proper to thank God and all those who helped Bohol bounce back after the tragedy.
“Six years later, we all look back with pride at how the Boholanos showed unity, strength, perseverance, and resiliency when that 7.2 magnitude tremor hit our beloved Bohol. The spirit of giving and sharing paved the way to early recovery,” he said.