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Reader Comments on 'Earthquake hits Bohol (updated)'

An earthquake with magnitude 7.2 occurred 2 km North-East of Catigbian, Bohol, Philippines at 8:12:37.20 on Oct 15, 2013.

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Rico Villanueva wrote:
Monday, 16 December 2013 20:25:24 PHT
New Disaster on the island of Bohol Philippines. It all started on October 15 2013. The beautiful island of Bohol in the center of the Philippines was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. 222 people were reported dead, 8 were missing, and 976 were injured. The bell tower of the centuries old Baclayon church collapsed and most of it's debris could be found on the highway. Today, 2 months later, many rocks have been removed but the highway is still closed to all traffic in one direction and to all heavy traffic in both directions. Responsible for this is the NCCA (National Commission on Culture and Art). The commission prohibits anyone from fully opening the important highway because it has plans for church restoration. Nobody knows how long this is going to last but residents and business people are becoming more and more nervous. Traffic is detoured through dirty barangay roads. People start complaining more and more. Here is what they are saying: "Leaving things as they are, makes the situation more dangerous. The church ruin attracts many daily visitors and also local children who start taking more risks by going too near to the half collapsed bell tower. This situation could cost lives in case of an aftershock or strong winds" and: "Leaving the highway partly closed creates a daily economic damage of at least one million pesos. Think about longer travel time for business traffic, more fuel usage, faster wearing out of tires due to traveling over bad roads, inconvenience for local residents (noise, dust, danger for children who are used to live along very quiet roads that are now full of highway traffic), strain on police officers who's daily task it is to manage these new traffic flows. They are now forced to neglect other important tasks such as preventing and combatting criminality. And this is happening while there is a security alert because of a complete prison outbreak in Tacloban City. And then there's the problem of people living along the provincial road who are traumatized by the earthquake. Some of them have difficulties to get rid of their trauma's due to many heavy trucks passing by every day and night, thus creating noise and vibrations similar to the October 15 earthquake. For example the Provincial Road in Baclayon (East CPG) that is now being used as detour for heavy traffic, has changed from a quiet, clean and safe road, particularly for children, into a noisy, dirty and dangerous environment. Government, aren't you supposed to prioritize help to victims over National Treasures? Is the National Commission on Culture and Art willing to sacrify Bohol's economy and safety for the sake of only one damaged church? Are they also willing to sacrify lives? What is more important, safety and the very important local economy or just one old church? Shouldn't everything be done to stop the damage done to local small and large businesses and to increase safety of residents and visitors? This article probably will not change much about the situation. The NCCA mostly gets what it wants and a probably long lasting restoration of the Baclayon church could start at any time. The Government agency's plan is either to use the same church rocks that are now deposited along the highway or similar material. So what will happen when there's a new earthquake in the far future while the church has been brought back to its original state? It might be destroyed again including the risks of ..... how many victims? Did the NCCA think of that? We don't know. Other countries such as Japan would never do this and either immediately demolish the church of rebuild it with new modern and safe construction materials. Didn't we learn that safety comes first?
Pauline Paguia wrote:
Sunday, 20 October 2013 01:27:18 PHT
Bohol, specifically Panglao is my favorite vacation destination. I live in Los Angeles California but my daughter and I have visited Panglao three times, bringing different friends and family with us on each trip. The people are lovely, the resorts are great, and the snorkeling is tops. I have become friends with our snorkel tour guide and have to reach out to him. We were planning to visit again on our next trip next year. I hope conditions get better. Saw the lovely Loboc choir on the news. God bless you, Bohol.
Michael Culley wrote:
Friday, 18 October 2013 05:37:20 PHT
I am so saddened to hear about the recent earthquake on your beautiful island I was here in February to visit my wonderful girl whom lives here, the damage and total desteuction is unimagineable. God bless you all
Tina Wood wrote:
Friday, 18 October 2013 02:26:15 PHT
Our class of 101 sixth graders are keeping up with the aftershock of the quake from a small town in Dahlonega, GA in the United States. We hope Bohol can rebuild quickly. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. We would love to chat with someone who survived the disaster. We do not have earthquakes of strong intensity here and the opportunity to learn from your town is great. God Bless. Tina Wood/Teacher
Ad S wrote:
Thursday, 17 October 2013 08:11:03 PHT
I was shocked by the news to hear the beautiful places i visited only a month ago are now damaged. i also am sorry for all those people who now have to rebuild their homes and historical places again. i wish you all lots of strength in these difficult times
Mielsy wrote:
Wednesday, 16 October 2013 02:35:43 PHT
I felt so sad about the earthquake, i've been there 10 years ago, the historical churches are so amazing. On the other hand, please help me, i'll be going in panglao island-alona beach this coming thursday. Please do give me advice if the place are safe already.Are the roads passable going to/from panglao and tagbilaran airport? Is it advisable to continue my stay there? Please help me. I am so excited to see panglao island but then i have no idea how's the situation there specifically the said area. Thanks a lot.
Fanny wrote:
Wednesday, 16 October 2013 00:29:39 PHT
I went to Loboc church in July 2012, I am really sad to read that it was destroyed last night. All my prayers go to the Boholanos.
Elias O. Licayan wrote:
Tuesday, 15 October 2013 17:17:42 PHT
Your Comment This is very sad indeed for the Boholanos, me included as I am from Guindulman. My relatives are all there, thank God, they are all safe, but shaken. Am sure, Bohol and the Boholanos will be made stronger by this event and can rise up again to greater heights. Boholanos all over the world can rally and help with whatever you can - cash, relief goods, first aid, talents, etc..etc.. etc. Jeroen, can you start a fund raising campaign, as you are in the best position to reach to all the Boholanos all over the world. Daghan kaajong salamat!.
ARS wrote:
Tuesday, 15 October 2013 13:52:34 PHT
I am praying for you...and I know that with God's help, we will rise again!

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