CEBU CITY – The magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu province on Sept. 30 has taken a heavy toll on two families in one of the hard-hit towns.

Authorities rescued 12 members of two families who were believed to have suffered from severe psychological distress following the major earthquake that claimed at least 70 lives.

A pregnant woman and an eight-year-old child were among those rescued individuals who allegedly tried to commit mass self-harm in front of the Christ the King Church on Wednesday morning, Oct. 8, in Sitio Lipata, Barangay Gibitngil, Medellin town, Cebu.

According to Gibitngil Barangay Captain Monina Monato, the two families had stopped eating days after the earthquake struck.

One of those who was rescued even tried to harm himself by slitting his throat.

Monato said they immediately called the police after they learned about the incident.

She added the families stayed in the church to pray since the quake struck.

They refused to eat and drink water since Oct. 1.

Relief goods were brought to the families but they threw them away, said Monato.

“I pity them because aside from children, there was a pregnant woman who stayed under the heat every day. They laid on the ground and were shouting that the Lord is coming,” said Monato.

Monato said that the families refused to drink water to be saved from their sins.

During the rescue operation, the families even blocked the door of the church to prevent the police and barangay officials from entering.

They were eventually rescued following a brief negotiation. The children and the pregnant were already weak when they were rescued.

Following the rescue, psychologists and doctors checked on the families for first-aid and trauma counseling.