President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday released a statement following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that shook Cebu late Tuesday night, leaving dozens dead and widespread destruction across the province.
In his message, the President extended his sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and offered prayers for those injured and displaced. “Buong puso akong nakikiramay sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, at kasama sa aking mga dasal ang kaligtasan ng mga nasugatan at lahat ng naapektuhan ng lindol,” Marcos said.
The quake struck at 9:59 p.m. on September 30, with its epicenter located about 19 to 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu, and a shallow depth of five kilometers, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The shallow depth made the tremor more destructive, causing heavy damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure.
Disaster officials said the death toll may have reached as high as 60, while more than 280 aftershocks have been recorded since the main shock. Intensity VIII (Severe) shaking was reported in Daanbantayan and Bogo, while Cebu City and nearby provinces experienced Intensity VI–VII (Very Strong).
Marcos assured the public that national agencies are on the ground. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is inspecting and restoring damaged roads and bridges, while the Department of Energy (DOE) is working to restore power supply. The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed additional medical teams to affected hospitals, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is distributing food and essential relief.
Emergency operations are also being supported by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for search and rescue, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for maintaining order. The President said the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are coordinating the efforts of all agencies to ensure swift response.
He urged Filipinos to remain vigilant and heed advisories from their local governments. “Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na manatiling alerto at makinig sa abiso ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan. Sama-sama nating itatawid ang ating mga kababayan at muling itatayo ang mga komunidad na naapektuhan,” Marcos said.
