MANILA — At least 61 people were killed, dozens injured, and heritage structures reduced to rubble after a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu late Tuesday night, prompting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to order an all-out government relief and rehabilitation response.
The tremor, which jolted the province at 9:59 p.m. with an epicenter 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, also knocked out power in several parts of the Visayas and inflicted serious damage on churches, buildings, and public infrastructure.
“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 in a statement yesterday.
He confirmed that Cabinet officials have already been dispatched to Cebu to supervise relief distribution and conduct ground assessments.
“Nasa mga apektadong lugar na po ang ating mga Kalihim upang magbigay ng tulong at suriin ang pinsala mula sa lindol at mga aftershocks,” he added.
The President urged residents to stay vigilant and heed advisories from local authorities.
The Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) were tasked to synchronize government actions for a faster response.
Agencies on Alert
The Department of Public Works and Highways is checking roads and bridges for structural damage, while the Department of Energy is leading power restoration efforts.
The Department of Health has sent more medical personnel, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development has begun distributing food packs and essential aid.
The Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police have also been deployed for search, rescue, and security operations.
“Sama-sama nating itatawid ang ating mga kababayan at muling itatayo ang mga komunidad na naapektuhan,” Marcos assured.
Funding for Relief
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said agencies must immediately tap their Quick Response Funds (QRF) to speed up assistance.
“Our prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones and to all who are enduring this tragedy. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed,” she said.
“Agencies such as the DSWD, DPWH, and OCD have Quick Response Funds that can be tapped immediately to deliver assistance to those affected,” she added.
QRFs are standby allocations for emergency relief and recovery. Data from the Department of Budget and Management showed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund still has a balance of ₱8.008 billion.
Pangandaman also ordered DBM regional offices in Cebu and nearby provinces to assess facilities, check on personnel, and coordinate with the OCD for possible support.
Both the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the United States Geological Survey initially measured the quake at magnitude 6.7 and 7.0, respectively, before confirming it at 6.9./PN
