By Helen Castaño | 10:40 AM October 15, 2025
Bohol paused on Wednesday to remember the devastating magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck the province 12 years ago.
Church bells across the Dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon rang simultaneously at 8:12 a.m.—the exact time the tremor hit on October 15, 2013—to honor the memory of those who perished and the resilience of the survivors.
The powerful quake left a trail of destruction across the island, killing at least 222 people, injuring 976 others, and leaving eight missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). More than 300,000 residents were displaced as centuries-old churches, homes, and public structures crumbled in seconds.
Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado said that while many lives were lost and infrastructures were destroyed, the people of Bohol have shown that they will never be defeated by any force of nature.
“We stood up and worked together to rebuild our communities. Our faith in the Almighty has also grown stronger,” Aumentado said.
He added that even after many years, the lessons of the earthquake remain deeply ingrained in the hearts of Boholanos.
“Let us continue to pray for those who perished during the earthquake and remain vigilant of our surroundings, especially with the tremors we have recently experienced,” he said.
Twelve years later, Boholanos continue to remember the tragedy that reshaped their communities—and to celebrate the spirit of recovery that has since rebuilt the province.
