A magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook Cebu and neighboring provinces late Tuesday night, September 30, 2025, sending residents rushing out of their homes and other commercial spaces.
Photo: Bogo City LGU
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the quake struck at 9:59 PM with the epicenter in Bogo, Cebu, at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers. Initially reported as magnitude 6.7, it was later upgraded to 6.9.
Phivolcs recorded Intensity VII in Daanbantayan, Bogo City, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabuelan, and even Cebu City—strong enough to cause significant damage. Other parts of the Visayas and nearby regions also felt the tremors, ranging from Intensity VI in Negros Occidental and Masbate, down to Intensity I in Surigao del Sur.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan partially collapsed, with the National Historical Commission now guiding caretakers on preserving movable historic objects.
Photo: Municipality of Daanbantayan
In Iloilo City, residents evacuated malls and apartments, while students at Visayas State University in Leyte were also forced to leave their dorms as a safety precaution.
A tsunami advisory was issued around 10:30 PM, urging residents in Leyte, Cebu, and Biliran to stay away from the coast. By 1:20 AM, Phivolcs lifted the advisory, saying the minor sea level disturbances had passed.
Power outages and grid separation
The Visayan Electric Company confirmed outages in several areas due to automatic load drops. Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that the Leyte, Samar, and parts of Bohol grids had separated from the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid due to the quake. Restoration is underway, but aftershocks continue to be recorded.
In Negros Occidental, parts of Bacolod and northern towns also experienced brownouts after transmission lines tripped.
With safety assessments ongoing, several local government units announced class and work suspensions for Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Among them are Iloilo Province, Tagbilaran City, and various towns in Cebu.
Early Wednesday morning, the municipality of San Remigio, Cebu, said it would declare a state of calamity following reports of multiple deaths in the area. The declaration will allow immediate relief and assistance to affected residents.
Magpabilin nga luwas, Cebu
Authorities remind the public to remain alert for aftershocks, avoid damaged structures, and follow advisories from local government units.
For emergency updates, keep tuned to Phivolcs, NGCP, and your local DRRM offices.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this earthquake.
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