Overview: A violent earthquake hits Bantayan and Cebu region
A violent earthquake struck the central Philippines, with the epicenter near Bantayan Island off Cebu. Video footage filmed by residents showed an old Catholic church on Bantayan swinging a garland of bulbs as the structure trembled and its bell tower collapsed. By early reports, the disaster left at least 26 people dead, with the toll concentrated in several towns on Cebu’s northern coast, including Bogo, Tabuelan and Remigio.
Toll by town and survivor accounts
In Bogo City, a municipality of about 90,000 people near the northern tip of Cebu, authorities confirmed 13 fatalities—nine adults and four children. Landslides added to the tragedy in the area, complicating rescue work on steep terrain. Additional deaths were reported in Tabuelan and Remigio as families faced collapsed or heavily damaged homes. Rescue officials warned that some victims could be trapped under debris, prompting urgent calls for volunteers and medical personnel.
Rescue operations and ongoing challenges
Emergency teams, supported by volunteers, conducted search-and-rescue operations throughout the night. Darkness, repeated aftershocks and unstable debris slowed progress. The Cebu provincial government posted on its official Facebook page seeking medics and relief supplies, noting that there could still be people trapped under rubble. Local responders described a coordinated effort to clear roads, reach affected communities, and establish temporary medical stations.
Aftershocks and ongoing risk
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported more than 300 aftershocks in the region following the initial quake, keeping residents anxious and response teams on high alert. Electricity was restored to Cebu and several central islands shortly after midnight, aiding communications and relief operations but leaving questions about the next hours and days as authorities monitor aftershocks and structural stability.
Eyewitness impressions
First responders and locals described a moment of fear and confusion. A firefighter in San Fernando, Cebu, recalled the tremor as very strong, noting stones falling from the church as crews worked to stabilize the scene. A Bantayan resident, nearby the epicenter, spoke of hearing a loud crash and watching debris descend as the church collapsed, while others described feeling shocked and temporarily paralyzed. Some children and volunteers reportedly followed scout-style safety habits, seeking shelter under sturdy tables during aftershocks.
Context: regional seismic activity and broader hazards
The Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of intense seismic activity spanning from Japan to Southeast Asia and across the Pacific. Earthquakes are a common hazard in this region. In nearby Indonesia, a magnitude-6 quake struck on Tuesday evening about 150 kilometers east of Surabaya, causing damage to several homes and prompting emergency responses. In the days leading up to this quake, the archipelago also faced weather-induced disasters, with Tropical Storm Bualoi and Typhoon Ragasa contributing to fatalities and straining emergency services.
What comes next
As authorities assess infrastructure damage and scale relief efforts, the immediate priorities are medical care for the injured, shelter for displaced residents, and ensuring access to water and power. Officials warn that aftershocks may continue, urging people to stay away from damaged structures and to follow official guidance as relief operations expand in the coming days.
