A strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook the central Philippines on Tuesday night, killing at least 20 people and injuring many others. The quake struck at 9:50 pm local time near Bogo in Cebu province.
The tremors forced thousands of people to rush out of their homes into the dark streets after the power supply was cut off. Officials fear that the number of deaths could rise as rescue work continues.
Historic Bantayan Church Collapses
One of the worst damages was to the centuries-old Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan. The historic church crumbled under the impact of the quake.
WATCH: The St. Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan Island, Cebu, one of the oldest churches in Visayas, collapsed due to the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck the province on Tuesday night, September 30. #LindolPH #EarthquakePH | 🎥: Martham Pacilan
READ MORE:… pic.twitter.com/5IazN1PCIT
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) September 30, 2025
A video shared online showed the church lights flickering as the ground shook. Seconds later, a part of the church collapsed while people nearby screamed and ran for safety.
Eyewitness Account
Resident Martham Pacilan, 25, described what he saw, “I heard a loud booming noise from the direction of the church, then I saw rocks falling from the structure. Luckily, no one got hurt,” he told AFP.
“I was in shock and in panic at the same time, but my body couldn’t move. I was just there waiting for the shaking to stop,” he added.
Photos and videos on social media showed heaps of rubble where parts of the historic church once stood.
Damage in Cebu Province
The epicenter of the shallow quake was approximately 17 km northeast of Bogo, a coastal city with a population of nearly 90,000.
The tremors damaged houses, a fire station, and several roads in Bogo. A firefighter told the Associated Press that rescue teams had trouble reaching some areas because debris was blocking the way.
Officials are still assessing the full extent of the destruction.
Philippines is on the “Ring of Fire”
The Philippines often faces natural disasters because it lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire — a zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
While the country experiences many quakes each year, this one caused major destruction and panic.
Rescue Operations and Aftershocks
Rescue teams have started clearing debris, helping the injured, and searching for survivors trapped under collapsed structures.
Hospitals are treating people with minor and serious injuries. Some schools and community halls are now temporary shelters for families who lost their homes.
Authorities have warned people to stay careful as aftershocks may follow in the coming days.
