Families offered a Mass to remember loved ones who perished during the onslaught of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro 13 years ago on December 16, 2024.

The Mass was celebrated at the mass grave at the City Memorial Park where 500 unidentified bodies were buried.

“Manghinaut mi nga ang inyong paghulat nga unta ma identify ni dili sab sa atong kalimtan kundi mapahaluna na nato karong adlawa nga mao na gyud ni atong final resting place,” City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) Head, Engr. Armen Cuenca, said.

Typhoon Sendong ravaged the city and other areas in Northern Mindanao, and claimed more than 1,200 lives. Up to 40,000 houses were destroyed.

More than a thousand people remain missing, including the sibling of Sheryl Barsopia who was washed away by floodwaters.

“Sakit gyud kay memory na lang imong madumduman… pero now… and then i-pray nako siya nga unta makit-an… dugay naman siya sige paramdam,” Barsopia said.