New Zealand Earthquake Cebuano nurse confirmed dead

CEBU, Philippines - Police in New Zealand have confirmed that Cebuano nurse Ivy Jane Boholst-Cabunilas was among those who perished when an earthquake struck Christchurch City on February 21.

Mariam Mae Sasam, 19, wife of Ivy’s brother, said no less than Cabunilas’ husband called Cabunilas’ aunt Cecilia Ragay early morning last Tuesday to relay the news. Ragay has since stood as Cabunilas’ mother since she was two year old when her parents split up.

New Zealand authorities made the official announcement through its website yesterday. Cabunilas’ DNA reportedly matched that of her nine-year-old daughter. Her immediately family has lived with her in New Zealand.

Ivy was originally from Consolacion, but later lived with the Ragays in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City. About two years ago, the family transferred to Montery Homes Subdivision in Barangay Mohon, Talisay City.

Sasam said Cabunilas’ remains will be brought to Cebu, but the schedule is yet to be confirmed.

Ivy was among those that were trapped when the CTV building collapsed during the 6.3-magnitude earthquake. More than 200 people died in the catastrophe.

Marcos Punsalang, Philippine Consul General in Wellington, earlier announced that about 12 Filipinos were trapped in the building, among them were Cabunilas, Rhea Sumalpong, Emmabelle Anoba, Ezra Mae Medalle, Jessie Lloyd Albaracin Redoble, John Chua, Jewel Francisco, Maria Luis Amantillo, and Valquin Bensurto. —(FREEMAN)