Exploring Camiguin’s Sunken Cemetery and Guiob Church: A Journey Through Time
Nestled off the northern coast of Mindanao, Camiguin Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Two of its most iconic landmarks, the Sunken Cemetery and the Guiob Church Ruins, stand as testaments to the island’s storied past—shaped by volcanic eruptions, colonial history, and the resilience of its people.
A Prosperous Past
Before Camiguin became known for its volcanoes and natural wonders, it was a quiet, flourishing community under Spanish colonial rule. The people of Camiguin lived simple but prosperous lives, cultivating rice, coconut, and abaca (a fiber plant used for ropes). The town of Catarman, located on the western side of the island, was a thriving hub of activity. Here, the Guiob Church, built in the early 1800s, served as the heart of the community, providing a place of worship, education, and gathering for locals. This stone structure, typical of Spanish-era architecture, stood proudly amidst the lush surroundings, representing the island’s deep-rooted faith.
In those years, not much disturbed the peace of the islanders, aside from occasional Moro pirate attacks along the coast. Yet, the island’s fate would change dramatically in 1871 when Mount Vulcan Daan, a branch of the larger Mount Hibok-Hibok, erupted violently.
The Eruption of 1871: A Disaster That Changed Everything
On May 13, 1871, Mount Vulcan Daan began to rumble. What followed was a catastrophic series of eruptions that devastated the town of Catarman. Lava flows engulfed homes, roads, and farmlands, forcing the entire population to flee for their lives. The eruption buried the prosperous town, including the Guiob Church, whose thick stone walls and bell tower partially survived the volcanic onslaught.
The eruption didn’t stop there. The volcanic activity continued to shape Camiguin’s landscape for the next five years, and one of its most fascinating results was the creation of the Sunken Cemetery. Originally, the cemetery was located along the coast, not far from the Guiob Church. However, continuous volcanic activity caused the land to gradually sink into the sea, submerging the graves. By the time the eruptions subsided, the once-sacred burial ground was entirely underwater.
The Sunken Cemetery Today
Today, a large white cross stands in the middle of the ocean, marking the site of the Sunken Cemetery. This iconic memorial is not only a reminder of the natural forces that shaped Camiguin but also a symbol of hope and remembrance for those who lived through the disaster. Visitors can take boats to the cross for a closer view or snorkel around the site to explore coral-covered tombstones below the water. It’s a hauntingly beautiful experience, combining both history and nature in a unique underwater setting.
The Guiob Church Ruins: A Monument of Resilience
While much of the town of Catarman was buried, the Guiob Church partially survived. Today, the Guiob Church Ruins stand as one of Camiguin’s most important historical landmarks. The thick stone walls of the church, although blackened by volcanic debris, remain upright. The bell tower, once used to call villagers to worship, stands in silent reverence to the past. Wandering through the ruins, one can still feel the presence of the community that once gathered here, their lives forever changed by the eruption.
A Legacy of Faith and Nature
The Sunken Cemetery and Guiob Church Ruins are more than just tourist destinations; they are living reminders of Camiguin’s turbulent history. They symbolize the islanders’ faith and resilience in the face of disaster, as well as the incredible power of nature to reshape the world. Visitors who come to these landmarks are not just witnessing history—they are experiencing the deep connection between the past and present, where stories of survival and renewal still echo across the island’s volcanic landscape.
