Scientists from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) confirmed on Friday the discovery of a new fault line on land that is linked to the devastating magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck offshore northern Cebu on September 30, 2025.
According to the PHIVOLCS Quick Response Team (QRT), the fault, now called the Bogo Bay Fault, was identified in Sitio Looc, Barangay Nailon, Bogo City. The team noted a visible deformation zone about two meters wide, marked by ground cracks, pressure mounds, and fault scarps.
In its initial assessment, the QRT reported: “The QRT initially mapped approximately 200 meters of ground rupture, but a drone survey has imaged approximately 1.5 kilometers of ground rupture features, indicating a right-lateral fault. Field verification is ongoing to determine its full extent, with further details to follow.”
The September 30 earthquake, with an epicenter about 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, left widespread destruction across northern Cebu. PHIVOLCS previously recorded hundreds of aftershocks, some strong enough to be felt in surrounding areas.
The agency urged residents in affected communities to remain alert, stressing that strong aftershocks are still possible as field studies continue to monitor the newly mapped fault.
